The document outlines the role of OpenFlow in Software-Defined Networking (SDN), describing SDN as a method that uses software-based controllers for network traffic management. OpenFlow serves as a protocol to facilitate communication between the controller and network switches, promoting a programmable and flexible network architecture. Key features of SDN include agility, centralized management, programmability, and open connectivity.

1. OpenFlow
specification used in
SDN
by Reenu Joseph

2. Contents
.
➔ What Is SDN?
➔ What is OpenFlow used for?
➔ Components of SDN
➔ OpenFlow specification in SDN
➔ How the protocol used in SDN?
➔ Key Features

3. What Is SDN?
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an approach
to networking that uses software-based controllers
or application programming interfaces (APIs) to
communicate with underlying hardware
infrastructure and direct traffic on a network.

4. What OpenFlow used for?
OpenFlow is a protocol that allows a server to tell network switches where to send packets. In
a conventional network, each switch has proprietary software that tells it what to do
An OpenFlow switch separates the data path from the control path. The data path portion resides on
the switch itself; a separate controller makes high-level routing decisions. The switch and controller
communicate by means of the OpenFlow protocol. This methodology, known as software-defined
networking (SDN), allows for more effective use of network resources than is possible with traditional
networks.

5. Three components of SDN
A typical representation of SDN architecture comprises three layers:
The application layer
The control layer
The infrastructure layer.

6. OpenFlow Specification used in SDN
As the first standard communication interface between the control plane and the data plane in
SDN, the OpenFlow specification defines the communication method between the controller
and the switch and the operation flow of the switch to the packets, implementing the idea of a
programmable network.
With its openness and flexibility, OpenFlow gives administrators the ability to access and
manipulate data plane devices directly, physically or virtually, avoiding vendor disclosure
and excessive modification to their device design solutions

7. How the protocol used in SDN
OpenFlow is the standard southbound protocol used between the SDN controller and the
switch. The SDN controller takes the information from the applications and converts them into flow
entries, which are fed to the switch via OF. It can also be used for monitoring switch and port
statistics in network management.

8. Key Features
● Agility. As business and application needs change, administrators can adjust network
configuration as required.
● Centralized management.
● Programmability.
● Open connectivity.

9. Thank You!