Migration from conventional networking to software defined networking

This paper aims to provide a brief review about the existing packet networks and its protocols, followed by the way the migration has led to the software defined networking. With software defined networking operator defined routing and policy enforcement was made possible. The conventional packet routing protocols are analyzed in such a way to understand the benefits of adopting software defined networking principles. The architectural shift of conventional networking towards the software defined networking is precisely explained. The evolution of Openflow protocol and its various versions are analyzed to understand the evolving migration trends and requirements. The various types of messages involved with the Openflow based software defined networking is analyzed to appreciate the various network programming interfaces. The practical ways of software defined controller implementations are also discussed.