OpenDaylight

Definition

OpenDaylight is an open-source Software-Defined Networking (SDN) controller designed to enable network programmability and automation. It serves as a flexible platform that supports various protocols and applications, allowing for enhanced network management and orchestration through its modular architecture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. OpenDaylight supports multiple southbound protocols like OpenFlow, NETCONF, and OVSDB, making it compatible with a wide range of network devices.
2. The modular architecture of OpenDaylight allows developers to create custom applications and functionalities, promoting innovation in network management.
3. It has a vibrant community of developers and contributors, which helps in continuous improvement and rapid adoption of new features.
4. OpenDaylight provides robust northbound APIs, enabling easy integration with orchestration tools and third-party applications.
5. The platform can be deployed in various environments, including data centers, enterprise networks, and service provider networks, demonstrating its versatility.

Review Questions

• How does OpenDaylight facilitate network programmability and automation through its architecture?
  • OpenDaylight's modular architecture allows for the development of applications that can programmatically manage network resources. By utilizing various protocols such as OpenFlow for southbound communication, it can interact with a diverse set of network devices. This programmability enables automation of network tasks such as provisioning, monitoring, and optimization, making networks more efficient and responsive to changing demands.
• What are the implications of OpenDaylight's support for multiple southbound protocols on network interoperability?
  • The support for multiple southbound protocols like OpenFlow and NETCONF enhances interoperability among different network devices from various vendors. This flexibility allows network operators to mix and match hardware and software components without being locked into a single vendor's ecosystem. Consequently, it fosters a more competitive marketplace while enabling organizations to customize their networks according to specific needs and requirements.
• Evaluate the role of OpenDaylight within the broader context of SDN orchestration platforms and frameworks.
  • OpenDaylight plays a crucial role in the ecosystem of SDN orchestration platforms by serving as a foundational SDN controller that integrates with various orchestration frameworks. Its ability to provide open APIs facilitates seamless communication between the control layer and orchestration tools, enabling complex automation scenarios. Additionally, its open-source nature promotes collaboration across different stakeholders in the networking community, driving innovation and the development of new orchestration techniques that leverage the capabilities of SDN.

Related terms

SDN Controller: A central component in an SDN architecture that manages and controls network devices through programmable interfaces.

REST API: A web-based interface that allows different software applications to communicate with each other using standard HTTP methods, widely used in SDN controllers for northbound communication.

Network Functions Virtualization (NFV): A technology that virtualizes network services traditionally run on hardware, allowing for more flexible and scalable network management alongside SDN.