Challenges and Direction of Hybrid SDN Migration in ISP networks

Abstract

Software Defined Networks (SDN) is a networking paradigm that separates the control plane from the data plan of a network, and controls data flow with a SDN controller. This networking model would be useful for ISP (Internet Service Provider) networks in order to control their own networks via the controller. Unfortunately, it is difficult to fully implement SDN in ISP networking due to financial and operational constraints. In this article, we will identify the various migration challenges for hybrid SDN in ISP networks, and investigate on the network planning tools currently available in the market that with regards to facilitate the migration process. Lastly, we will discuss on the future direction of research and development in the field of hybrid SDN migration.