SDN is a networking approach that separates the control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized, software-driven management of network traffic.
Software-defined Networking (SDN) is a modern network architecture that decouples the control plane (where decisions are made about how data flows) from the data plane (which actually forwards packets). By introducing a centralized software controller, SDN enables more flexible, programmable, and automated control of networks compared to traditional, hardware-centric models.
Originally popularized in IT and data centers, SDN is increasingly used in broadcast and media workflows, where IP-based infrastructures require dynamic traffic engineering, guaranteed quality of service (QoS), and multi-vendor interoperability. With SDN, broadcasters can dynamically reconfigure signal paths, prioritize media streams, and adapt to changing production needs in real time.
What Nevion Does
Nevion applies SDN principles to the broadcast and media industry through its orchestration platform, VideoIPath.
- Centralized Control: VideoIPath acts as the SDN controller, managing media flows across complex broadcast networks.
- Traffic Engineering: Ensures optimal routing of signals by automatically allocating bandwidth and prioritizing critical streams.
- Resilience: Supports SMPTE ST 2022-7 hitless switching and fast rerouting to guarantee uninterrupted delivery of live media.
- Hybrid Integration: Manages both traditional IP routing (e.g., multicast) and SDN-based flows, allowing a smooth transition for broadcasters.
- Vendor Neutrality: Works with NMOS (IS-04/IS-05) and device-specific drivers to orchestrate multi-vendor environments.