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What is Software Defined Networking (SDN)?

A more flexible and programmable network that’s easier to manage and control.

Software Defined Networks (SDN) separate the control software from the hardware. Instead of configuring each device independently, SDN allows you to develop network and security policies and push them to all network devices simultaneously. This ensures consistent configurations across the network and simplifies IT operations. With APIs, applications can be given permission to configure the network based on predetermined parameters eliminating manual configuration changes when an application is deployed or upgraded.

Software Defined Networking Addresses These Common Problems

  • Challenges

Website_Challenges SDN

Overcome These Challenges with SDN

  • Lack of Scalability
  • Ineffective Security
  • Inconsistent Configurations
  • Poor Network Visibility
  • Time Consuming Network Changes
  • Lack of Skilled Network Engineers
  • Rising WAN Costs
Website_Challenges SDN

SDN Solutions and Partner Recommendations

Cisco

As the industry leader in all things networking, Cisco is redefining network security, scalability and automation with Software Defined Networking. Their SDN solutions can help you save money and secure your business by eliminating the need to manually configure network devices.

SD-WAN

DNA Center

SASE

SD Access

SD-Branch

Ansible

Meraki

Meraki helps you advance a modern network strategy with smart, Cloud Managed IT solutions.

SD-WAN

SD Access

SD-Branch

See More SDN Partners

Softward Defined Networking Benefits

Intelligently control your network and simplify IT Operations.

Simplify Operations and Reduce Network Complexity

Programmable Network Eliminates Manual Processes

Faster Application Deployment

More Centralized Security

Better Control Network Traffic

Scale Your Network Without Scaling IT Operations

Reduce Private Circuits with More Reliable Internet WAN

Which SDN Offerings Are Right for You?

SDN can provide dynamic and efficient network configuration for your WAN, LAN and Data Center networks. Unsure of how to determine which solution is right for you?

Get started with one of our network assessments or consulting engagements. 

WLAN Assessment

WLAN Assessment

Today's Wireless LAN is a critical part of user and device access. SDN technology combines wireless access points and access layer switches into one cohesive environment. Our WLAN assessment will determine if your wireless network is adequately and reliably supporting your business. We will identify and document issues, and then make prioritized recommendations for how to improve Wi-Fi for a better user experience.

Learn More

Why Your Network Team Needs IE for SDN

Networking technology has changed a lot in the 25 years we've been at it, and yet the basic fundamentals are still the same. We have the experience to help your team understand the benefits of SDN and the proven processes to help them execute. And, if they want help managing new tech until they get comfortable, we offer fully outsourced or co-managed IT Managed Services. 

Networking Experts

When Software Defined Networking came to market, we got to work learning the new technology and developing best practices with our SDN tech partners. Our processes ensures a design customized for your needs, consistent quality of deployment and expert operational support.

Managed IT Services

Not only can we design and build your network from layer 1 up but we can also support it 24x7. If you're concerned about adopting a Software Defined Network, don't be; we have the talent and experience to help you succeed. 

Selective Tech Partnerships

Our technology partners are hand picked for their innovative and reliable technology solutions. We only recommend partners we trust and we stand behind their products and services. If you're considering a network upgrade and would like to learn more about how industry leading SDN solutions from our partners can help you achieve an agile, secure and modernized network, visit our Partners page.

Custom Scripting and Development

Our in-house development team can provide custom scripting to automate network and security policy across disparate vendor products. And for large-scale automation projects, we can develop a complete orchestration environment to make quick work of large infrastructure changes. Ask us how our development team can help you save time and manpower.

 

Networking Solutions for Any Need

Mobility & Wi-Fi IoT Network Enterprise Network

Seemless Roaming.

Mobility & Wi-Fi

Simplify access for roaming workers with a SD Access architecture.

By combining Wi-Fi and Access Switching in an SDN solution, you can easily automate, maintain, and troubleshoot network access from one dashboard. As more mobile users join the network; you can deliver a seamless user experience while ensuring network security and simplifying IT operations.

Keep Your Network Seamlessly Connected Learn more about our Mobility and WiFi solutions.

Transform Your Network.

IoT Network

Segment machine to machine (M2M) communication to secure and improve business operations.

IoT integrations require better network visibility and segmentation to avoid security vulnerabilities from M2M communications. SDN, while not created specifically for IoT devices, can definitely help solve some of the more complex network challenges brought on by the increasing number of IoT devices. Learn how you can monitor IoT communication and centralize sensor alerts to more quickly respond to anomalous behavior.

Enable Effective Network Management to Support Your IoT Integrations Learn more about our IoT Network solutions.

Simplify Network Complexity.

Enterprise Networking

Scale your Enterprise Network Without Scaling IT Operations

A growing business means more network complexity and a larger staff to support IT Operations. Bigger networks usually have more security risk, access requirements, and compliance issues. There's a better way. Consider how SDN can deliver a network that's agile, flexible, and secure enough to keep pace with your growing business.

Is Your Network Enough? Learn more about our Enterprise Network Solutions.

Frequently Asked Questions

How should I prioritize certain types of traffic?

How do I unify multiple SDNs?

How do you simplify the management of hardware and configurations?

How do you enforce policy across all the different types of SDN?

More Networking Resources

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Blog

Cisco DNA Center (DNAC) Dashboard vs. Meraki Dashboard: Enterprise-level Features vs. Simplicity

Trying to determine which Network Management tool will be better for your environment? We compare the Cisco DNA Center and Meraki dashboards. Learn more! 

Read Now

Image

Blog

How SD-WAN is Improving Business Outcomes

See how customers are getting business outcome benefits out of Software-Defined WAN (SD-WAN) and moving away from Multiprotocol Label Switching (MPLS).

Read Now

Image

Blog

Benefits of SD-WAN for Branch Networks

Tackle digital disruption with SD-WAN and get the benefits of improved overall speed, efficiency, economics, and security of your branch network.

Read Now

View All

Are You Ready to Simplify Network Management with SDN?

Contacts Us to Learn How