Software-Defined Networking (SDN) represents a shift from traditional hardware-based control to centralized, software-driven management. This episode introduces SDN by explaining how it separates the control plane from the data plane, allowing administrators to manage network behavior programmatically. You’ll learn how SDN controllers communicate with switches and routers to dictate traffic flow using APIs and open protocols like OpenFlow.

We also explore the benefits SDN brings to the table, including automation, agility, and simplified configuration across multiple devices. Whether you’re dealing with data centers, hybrid cloud, or dynamic service chaining, SDN offers new possibilities for scalability and policy enforcement. This episode provides the terminology, use cases, and foundational understanding needed to grasp SDN’s growing role in network management and the future of infrastructure.