Managing a network requires support for multiple concurrent tasks, from routing and traffic monitoring, to access control and server load balancing. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) allows applications to realize these tasks directly, by installing packet-processing rules on switches. However, today’s SDN platforms provide limited support for creating modular applications.

Join us as Dr. Joshua Reich, Postdoctoral Research Scientist and Computing Innovation Fellow at Princeton University presents Pyretic – a new programmer-friendly domain-specific language embedded in Python that enables modular programming for SDN applications. Pyretic is part of the Frenetic Network Programming Language initiative sponsored by Princeton University and Cornell University, with support from the National Science Foundation, the Office of Naval Research, Google, Intel and Dell.

Join us at the Bay Area Network Virtualization group meet-up on August 21!

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is the HOT topic in the IT industry. There’s a new meetup group dedicated to the topic of SDN and Network Virtualization. Nicknamed “NVIRTERS”, they offer a great resource for learning more about SDN and networking in general. Tech talks, workshops, hackathons – and more!

Check them out on meetup.com and on Twitter.

Software-Defined Networking. SDN. It’s the buzz right now, promising a new model for networking that decouples the embedded value in networking devices and allows new capabilities to be easily deployed. There are a lot of things that have to happen to make SDN a reality. First, current networking product vendors need to embrace this new model. While they will never fully open their boxes and allow the control plane to be fully decoupled, it’s a given that SDN is going to force fundamental changes. Second, merchant silicon (not necessarily “commodity” hardware) is needed to allow more programmability of physical network devices. Third, standards for both northbound and southbound interfaces need to mature to allow reusability of networking applications and services. And finally, scalable and resilient applications need to be developed. Sounds like a pretty tall order… but the tide has shifted and the industry is moving to SDN. So everybody needs to get ready for new business and operational models that can take advantage of the underlying technological advancements. Read all »

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a shockwave through the networking industry. Robert Keahey recently presented key SDN trends and capabilities at the IEEE Smart Tech: Metro Area Workshop in Santa Clara, CA, and again at the IEEE Consultants’ Network of Silicon Valley.