Software-Defined Networks (SDNs) and Internet of Things (IoTs): A Qualitative Prediction for 2020

Abstract

The Internet of Things (IoT) is imminent technology grabbing industries and research attention with a fast stride. Currently, more than 15 billion devices are connected to the Internet and this number is expected to reach up to 50 billion by 2020. The data generated by these IoT devices are immensely high, creating resource allocation, flow management and security jeopardises in the IoT network. Programmability and centralised control are considered an alternative solution to address IoT issues. On the other hand, a Software Define Network (SDN) provides a centralised and programmable control and management for the underlying network without changing existing network architecture. This paper surveys the state of the art on the IoT integration with the SDN. A comprehensive review and the generalised solutions over the period 2010-2016 is presented for the different communication domains. Furthermore, a critical review of the IoT and the SDN technologies, current trends in research and the futuristic contributing factors form part of the paper. The comparative analysis of the existing solutions of SDN based IoT implementation provides an easy and concise view of the emerging trends. Lastly, the paper predicts the future and presents a qualitative view of the world in 2020.