Software-Defined Networking

Abstract: Software Defined Networks (SDN) is a paradigm in which routing decisions are taken by a control layer. In contrast to conventional network structures, the control plane and forwarding plane are separated and communicate through standard protocols like OpenFlow. Historically, network management was based on a layered approach, each one isolated from the others. SDN proposes a radically different approach by bringing together the management of all these layers into a single controller. It is therefore easy to get a unified management policy despite the complexity of current networks requirements while ensuring performance through the use of dedicated devices for the forwarding plane. Such an upheaval can meet the current challenges of managing an increasingly dynamic network imposed by the development of cloud computing or the increased mobility of everyday devices. Many solutions have emerged, but all do not satisfy the same issues and are not necessarily usable in a real environment. The purpose of this thesis is to study and report on existing solutions and technologies as well as conceive a demonstration prototype to present the benefits of this approach. This project also focuses on an analysis of risks posed by these technologies and the possible solutions.