Software defined network or commonly abbreviated as SDN is one of the best technological breakthroughs that benefits many sectors. One of the sectors that benefits from the existence of this software defined network is business. The following is an explanation of SDN and the role of SDN in the transformation of e-commerce businesses in Indonesia.
Definition
SDN is a method that separates the control plane and data plane. In traditional networks, or networks that do not use SDN, both functions are in the same device. The control plane handles network device settings and the data plane has the task of handling sending information packets.
This new method of network management changes the perspective of conventional network infrastructure. The main component in SDN is the separation of the hardware layer and the control layer in the network. This method shifts control of the network from a single hardware device to software known as a controller.
Network administrators can control, configure, and monitor the entire network with this controller. SDN offers increased flexibility in managing and orchestrating network traffic. This allows for rapid adjustments to changing needs. Additionally, SDN accelerates innovation by separating network control from physical hardware.
In essence, to achieve more flexible and efficient network management, SDN leverages open programming interfaces and decouples network control. This aims to achieve maximum control in network management in a flexible, adaptive and central way.
Main Components in SDN
1. Data Transfer Layer (Data Plane)
The data switching layer consists of network hardware that transmits data traffic according to instructions given by the controller. This hardware can include switches that are OpenFlow capable, which is a common protocol used in SDN, or other networking hardware that supports SDN.
2. Application Programming Interface
The development and integration of new applications into SDN networks is facilitated by SDN application programming interfaces (APIs). These components in SDN allow developers to create different applications that interact with the controller.
3. SDN Controller
The SDN controller is the main component in a software defined network. This is the software or hardware that is responsible for managing, controlling, and monitoring the entire SDN network. The controller is also tasked with managing traffic flow and sending instructions to network hardware.
4. Application Layer
The SDN application layer consists of various applications built on top of the controller. This layer has the ability to perform various functions, such as quality of service (QoS) management, network analysis, security, and traffic monitoring.
5. Information Layer
Data and information about network status, topology, and traffic are stored in the information layer. Controllers use this information to make better network management decisions to improve business performance.
6. Administration Interface
Network administrators can manage and configure SDN networks with an administration interface, which is usually a web or console interface. This allows for higher network settings.
7. SDN Security (Keamanan SDN)
Komponen keamanan SDN mencakup kebijakan keamanan yang diterapkan oleh kontroler. Selain itu, komponen ini juga melaksanakan tugas pemantauan lalu lintas dan deteksi ancaman yang dapat diintegrasikan dengan aplikasi keamanan khusus.
8. Protokol Komunikasi
Communication protocol menghubungkan kontroler dengan perangkat keras jaringan. Protokol seperti OpenFlow memungkinkan kontroler untuk mengirimkan instruksi kepada perangkat keras dan memantau status jaringan.
Differences Between Traditional Networks and SDN Networks
Before understanding topics related to the role of SDN in e-commerce business transformation in Indonesia, you also need to understand the basic things about SDN first. The basic thing you need to understand about SDN is how it differs from traditional networks. Here are some general differences you need to know.
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Monitoring and Analysis
Monitoring and analysis on traditional networks can be complex and limited by hardware. Meanwhile, in SDN, there is the possibility of deeper monitoring and analysis with central access to network traffic data.
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Flexibility
Traditional networks tend not to have good flexibility because they are rigid and difficult to change if a change in requirements is required. Meanwhile, SDN is considered very flexible because it allows for rapid changes in network configuration to respond to changes in the situation or needs of the organization or company.
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Innovation and Application Development
In traditional networks, building and integrating new network applications tends to be difficult and requires modifications to the hardware. SDN is able to support network application development via API. This allows for faster innovation and the implementation of special applications in the Company.
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Response to Change
Traditional network response to change requires manual configuration of each device. This can of course slow down response times. Meanwhile, you benefit from using SDN because its response to changes can be done quickly through the controller.
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Setup and Configuration
If you are still using a traditional network in the company or organization that you manage, then you need to manually configure the hardware on each device. However, if you use SDN, these settings and configurations can be done centrally on the controller. You can manage all networks simultaneously.
SDN and E-Commerce Business in Indonesia
Quoted from DataIndonesia.id, data from Statista Market Insights illustrates that the number of e-commerce users in Indonesia will reach 178.49 million people in 2022. The trend of e-commerce users in Indonesia is increasing and the number is projected to reach 196.74 million users by the end of the year. in 2023.
This trend of e-commerce users continues to soar, giving you as a business owner ample opportunity to develop in the e-commerce business. This trend is increasing because e-commerce businesses can help users find the items they like and need easily.
The e-commerce business in Indonesia will continue to grow with the implementation of SDN in the corporate environment. This is because SDN has various advantages that can benefit you, such as operational efficiency, increased scalability, and cost savings which will have a positive impact on e-commerce businesses.
Apart from that, e-commerce businesses will experience other effects in the form of application innovation which is continuously needed in Indonesian e-commerce businesses. The presence of SDN can also increase sophisticated security. E-commerce businesses in Indonesia will be able to better monitor network traffic thanks to central control.
E-commerce businesses in Indonesia can progress and develop by entrusting the right service provider. Indonet as a trusted IT company in Indonesia is ready to help you according to your needs. Our trained team will help manage software defined network in the maximum transformation of e-commerce businesses in Indonesia.