In addition, The OpenFlow specification offers deeper functionality by providing the ability to more fully control the forwarding table inside the network device, but this
functionality seems like it will take longer to arrive. Future Openflow controllers may be able to provide advanced capabilities and automation. The centralized
forwarding database and software controller means that your entire wired and wireless network can become a firewall at the edge through flow table manipulation. Even further in the future, the controller will be able to program edge networking devices to act as load balancers by manipulating the forwarding table to use different paths across the backbone, possibly on a constantly changing basis.
Because the controller software becomes the primary focus for the day-to-day management, it moves the critical point for the network away from the devices and their operating systems. For some companies, this means that they no longer need to invest in expensive proprietary software that provides functions they do not use. Combine this with merchant silicon, and there will be a new market for low-cost, low-value Ethernet network devices that provide simple support for OpenFlow. There are already companies taking merchant silicon from Broadcom and Fulcrum Micro to produce extremely low-cost Ethernet switches that have a forwarding table and an OpenFlow client support. This is opening a whole new market segment for “whitebox” switches to compete against the established vendors.
The value proposition of OpenFlow is that it reduces the friction of implementing network changes for many organizations. In public cloud networks, where low cost is a primary driver, it’s likely there will be a move to adopt OpenFlow as the primary configuration tool for almost all network requirements and to downshift purchasing even further to “white box” hardware to achieve lowest possible capex and opex while building flexibility and faster deployment speeds. The OpenFlow software networking will enable public clouds to dynamically adapt to changes and improve service levels with intelligent management platforms. In the future, deeper manipulation and control of the forwarding table will offer a range of performance, forwarding and security features that further extend the network’s value.
Enterprise and private clouds will still deploy “full service” network switches because their software and applications require much greater diversity and flexibility. OpenFlow
will offer significant operational benefits as many repetitive functions will be moved into the OpenFlow controller, and indications suggest that VMware/Citrix and KVM
are already moving to implement OpenFlow controller functions as way of improving their provisioning. The future possibilities of OpenFlow to manipulate the forwarding table have much greater impact on the enterprise by creating new design options and features for new services.
For the major vendors, it means that OpenFlow is changing the product landscape. Public clouds don’t buy a lot of Cisco or Juniper today because it’s too expensive and they don’t use the features. This is set to continue and deepen over time. For the enterprise, the reliance on IOS or JunOS will be reduced, and much more business value will reside in the OpenFlow controller as the primary network management tool. Of course, if OpenFlow reaches its potential, then all the major vendors will have OpenFlow controllers for sale, but it remains a disruptive force and the market dominance of Cisco is likely to be further undermined.
The OpenFlow controller offers orchestration and integration with virtualization platforms that have never been possible. By reducing the friction between the server and the network, customers will get improved IT infrastructure. Using software to more effectively use the network in the data center and the campus means even more advances in the near future. OpenFlow is definitely one to watch.
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