SDWN Software defined wireless networks

Software-defined wireless networks (SDWN) refer to a networking paradigm that applies the principles of software-defined networking (SDN) to wireless network infrastructure. SDWN aims to bring flexibility, agility, and centralized control to wireless networks, enabling more efficient management, improved performance, and enhanced security. It allows network administrators to programmatically control and manage wireless network resources through software abstraction and automation.

To understand SDWN, let's break down the key components and concepts involved:

Software-Defined Networking (SDN):

SDN is an architectural approach that separates the control plane from the data plane in traditional network devices. In SDN, a central controller manages the network and communicates with switches and routers through a standardized protocol such as OpenFlow. By decoupling the control plane from the data plane, SDN enables centralized management and control, making networks more dynamic and adaptable.

Wireless Network Infrastructure:

In traditional wireless networks, access points (APs) or wireless LAN controllers (WLCs) are responsible for managing and controlling wireless communications. They handle functions such as radio frequency (RF) management, channel assignment, client authentication, and mobility management. However, these functions are often distributed and proprietary, making it challenging to implement consistent policies and achieve holistic network management.

SDWN Architecture:

SDWN extends the principles of SDN to wireless networks by introducing a centralized controller that provides a unified view and control over the entire wireless infrastructure. The architecture typically consists of the following components:

a. Central Controller: The central controller serves as the brain of the SDWN. It provides a single point of control for managing wireless network resources and orchestrating network-wide policies. The controller communicates with the wireless devices (e.g., APs) using protocols specific to the SDWN solution.

b. Wireless Access Points (APs): APs are responsible for connecting wireless devices (such as laptops, smartphones, IoT devices) to the network. In an SDWN, APs are often enhanced with software capabilities to enable communication with the central controller. They can dynamically adjust their behavior and adapt to changing network conditions based on instructions received from the controller.

c. Southbound Interfaces: The southbound interfaces facilitate communication between the central controller and the underlying wireless devices. These interfaces carry commands and control messages, allowing the controller to configure and manage the APs. The protocols used in the southbound interfaces can vary depending on the SDWN solution but often include standardized protocols like OpenFlow or proprietary protocols specific to the vendor.

d. Northbound Interfaces: The northbound interfaces allow higher-level network management applications or external systems to interact with the SDWN controller. This enables integration with other network management systems, cloud orchestration platforms, security systems, and analytics tools. The northbound interfaces provide a programmatic interface for controlling and monitoring the network.

Benefits of SDWN:

a. Flexibility and Agility: SDWN provides dynamic control over wireless network resources, allowing administrators to adapt and configure the network based on changing requirements. Policies can be programmed and enforced centrally, reducing the need for manual configuration on individual APs.

b. Centralized Management: SDWN simplifies network management by providing a single point of control. Network administrators can define policies, monitor performance, and troubleshoot network issues from a centralized management interface, improving operational efficiency.

c. Enhanced Security: With SDWN, security policies can be consistently enforced across the network, reducing vulnerabilities and minimizing the risk of unauthorized access. Centralized visibility and control enable faster threat detection and response.

d. Improved Performance: SDWN enables more efficient management of network resources, including channel assignment, load balancing, and interference mitigation. This optimization can lead to better network performance, increased capacity, and improved user experience.

e. Network Programmability: SDWN allows network administrators to programmatically control the network behavior through open APIs and software-defined policies. This programmability enables automation, integration with external systems, and the development of custom network applications.

In summary, SDWN applies the principles of SDN to wireless networks, bringing centralized control, flexibility, and agility to wireless network infrastructure. It simplifies management, improves security, and enhances performance by decoupling control from the data plane and providing a unified view of the network.