A Brief Introduction To OpenFlow, November 14, 2011 OpenFlow is
a specification now managed by the Open Networking Foundation,
which defines the functions and protocols used to centrally
manage switches via a centralized controller. Do you need
OpenFlow to manage your network? No. Can OpenFlow controllers
provide features and functions better than what are available
today via existing standards? Absolutely. An OpenFlow controller
can, within its OpenFlow management network, potentially replace
most of the management protocols running in your existing
network. You don't need to worry about loops, VLANs can lose
meaning if needed, and you can use all of your capacity between
any OpenFlow-enabled switches. You can potentially design the
network of your dreams completely in software and deploy with a
push of a button. If we sound breathless, it's because the
potential to unlock the power of your network is very real. The
breadth of that power depends on the capabilities of the
controller. Ivan Pepelnjak of IOShin