OpenDaylight

Definition

OpenDaylight is an open-source software-defined networking (SDN) controller that provides a platform for network automation and management through the use of a centralized controller architecture. It facilitates communication between network devices and applications using protocols like OpenFlow, promoting flexibility and innovation in network design by allowing users to program and manage their networks more efficiently.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. OpenDaylight is backed by a large community and is governed by the Linux Foundation, which helps ensure its ongoing development and support.
2. It supports multiple southbound protocols, including OpenFlow, NETCONF, and BGP-LS, making it versatile for various network environments.
3. OpenDaylight provides a modular architecture with a set of plugins, allowing users to customize the controller's functionality according to their needs.
4. The platform is designed to facilitate both legacy and next-generation network technologies, bridging the gap between traditional networking and SDN.
5. With OpenDaylight, operators can implement policies for network resources dynamically, improving resource utilization and network responsiveness.

Review Questions

• How does OpenDaylight enhance network management through its architecture?
  • OpenDaylight enhances network management by providing a centralized controller architecture that simplifies the automation of network tasks. By using a modular approach with plugins, it allows for easy customization based on specific operational needs. This centralization enables administrators to implement policies quickly across various devices and networks, ultimately improving efficiency and flexibility in managing complex networking environments.
• Discuss the role of OpenFlow in OpenDaylight's functionality as an SDN controller.
  • OpenFlow serves as a critical component of OpenDaylight's functionality by enabling direct communication between the SDN controller and network devices. This protocol allows for fine-grained control over data flows within the network, empowering users to make real-time adjustments. Through OpenFlow, OpenDaylight can effectively manage how data packets are handled by forwarding devices, which is essential for realizing the benefits of software-defined networking.
• Evaluate how OpenDaylight's support for multiple protocols impacts its adaptability in diverse networking environments.
  • OpenDaylight's support for multiple protocols significantly enhances its adaptability in various networking environments. By accommodating different southbound protocols like OpenFlow, NETCONF, and BGP-LS, it can interface with both legacy systems and modern software-defined networks. This flexibility allows organizations to integrate OpenDaylight into their existing infrastructure without needing complete overhauls, facilitating smoother transitions to more agile networking solutions while addressing specific operational requirements.

Related terms

OpenFlow: A protocol that enables the communication between the SDN controller and the network devices, allowing for direct access to and manipulation of the data plane.

Network Function Virtualization (NFV): A technology that virtualizes entire classes of network node functions, allowing them to run in software instead of hardware, enhancing flexibility and scalability.

Model-Driven Networking: An approach that uses data models to define and manage network behavior, enabling automation and integration with software development processes.