Software-defined networking: management requirements and challenges

TLDR

SDN is an emerging paradigm driving innovation in computer networks, yet discussions on its management remain limited. The article aims to identify the primary management requirements of SDN. It reviews existing proposals and highlights key challenges that must be addressed for widespread adoption.

Abstract

SDN is an emerging paradigm currently evidenced as a new driving force in the general area of computer networks. Many investigations have been carried out in the last few years about the benefits and drawbacks in adopting SDN. However, there are few discussions on how to manage networks based on this new paradigm. This article contributes to this discussion by identifying some of the main management requirements of SDN. Moreover, we describe current proposals and highlight major challenges that need to be addressed to allow wide adoption of the paradigm and related technology.