Much of the initial interest in SDN has been driven by virtualisation of systems within the data centre, where SDN has already proved its value. But if SDN can be extended across the wide area, it will transform a carrier's network into a single, unified computing platform - virtualising layers 0-7.

 

Intune can uniquely extend SDN across the metro network by abstracting it into a 'giant' local area switch. Intune’s distributed switch architecture transforms multiple switching and transport elements into a single 'local' switch, with ports hundreds of miles apart.

 

The entire network can then be controlled,  via an open control protocol interface, as a single switching element. Or, for SDN's implemented with virtual switches at the network edge, it can provide them with a full-mesh of non-blocking connectivity  - just as they expect from local switches in the data centre.

 

This breakthrough architecture enables the practical extension of SDNs across a carrier's network for the first time.

 

The executive overview document (below)  outlines the benefits of Intune's architecture in SDN networks.

 

The extended paper (below) examines the implications and options for delivering SDNs across a carrier's network.