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Software Defined Networking

A directory of software defined networking (SDN) — the controllers, open-source switching, data center fabrics and standards that make networks programmable, from the data center to the WAN and Kubernetes.

31 topics•4 categories•Updated November 2026

Open-source SDN Controllers & Switching

8 entries

Open-source controllers, virtual switches and network operating systems.

01OpenDaylightModular open-source SDN controller from the Linux Foundation. 02ONOSOpen Network Operating System, an SDN controller for service provider networks. 03Open vSwitchProduction-quality virtual switch that supports OpenFlow. 04OVNOpen Virtual Network, virtual networking built on Open vSwitch. 05RyuComponent-based Python SDN framework. 06FaucetCompact open-source OpenFlow controller for production networks. 07SONiCOpen-source network operating system for data center switches. 08CiliumeBPF-based networking, security and observability for Kubernetes.

Commercial SDN & Data Center Fabrics

5 entries

Vendor platforms that automate data center and cloud networks.

09Cisco ACIApplication Centric Infrastructure, policy-driven data center fabric. 10VMware NSX (VCF Networking)Network virtualization and security now part of VMware Cloud Foundation. 11HPE Juniper ApstraIntent-based data center fabric automation, offered through HPE Juniper Networking. 12Nokia Data Center FabricAutomated data center fabric with Nokia SR Linux and event-driven automation. 13Arista CloudVisionNetwork automation and telemetry platform for Arista EOS switches.

Standards & Communities

4 entries

Specifications and communities that define SDN.

14Open Networking FoundationCommunity behind OpenFlow, ONOS and open networking. 15OpenFlowThe protocol that lets a controller program switch forwarding tables. 16P4Language for programming how switches and NICs process packets. 17LF NetworkingLinux Foundation projects for open source networking.

SDN Across the Stack

9 entries

Related topics on this site, from WAN to containers.

18SD-WAN ProductsSoftware-defined WAN solutions for branches and clouds. 19Network Operating SystemsDisaggregated switch and router operating systems. 20Cloud Networking VendorsVirtual networks and connectivity in the cloud. 21Container Networking SolutionsCNI plugins and networking for containers. 22Kubernetes Networking SolutionsPod and service connectivity and network policy. 23Cloud-native NetworkingGateway API, service mesh and eBPF networking. 24Microsegmentation ProvidersSoftware-defined segmentation for zero trust. 25Network Automation PlatformsItential, Ansible, NetBox, Nautobot, Cisco NSO and other tools for automating networks. 26Telecom Network Digital TwinsNVIDIA, Nokia, Keysight, Forsk, Forward Networks and standards for RAN and network digital twins.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is software-defined networking (SDN)?

SDN separates the network control plane from the data plane. A logical controller programs switches and routers through open interfaces and APIs, so the network can be configured, automated and changed in software instead of box by box.

How does SDN differ from SD-WAN?

SDN is the broader architecture of centralized, programmable control. SD-WAN applies the same idea to wide-area connectivity between branches, data centers and clouds, choosing paths by application and policy across links such as MPLS, broadband and 5G.

What is OpenFlow and is it still used?

OpenFlow is the protocol that lets a controller program a switch's forwarding tables. It shaped early SDN, while many production networks now use vendor APIs, EVPN-VXLAN fabrics, P4 and eBPF alongside or instead of it.

What are the main SDN controllers and platforms?

Open-source options include OpenDaylight, ONOS and OVN with Open vSwitch, while Cisco ACI, VMware NSX, HPE Juniper Apstra, Nokia and Arista offer commercial platforms.

How does SDN relate to Kubernetes and cloud networking?

Kubernetes networking relies on CNI plugins such as Cilium and on overlay or eBPF datapaths that are programmed centrally, which is SDN applied to containers. Cloud virtual networks are also software-defined by design.