2014.05.21
Additional Functions Now Available for SmartSDN ® Controller, the Software to Support Flexible Network Configuration Management, Maintenance and Operation
NTT Comware Corporation (Head Office: Minato-ku, Tokyo; President: Shinobu Umino; hereinafter, "NTT Comware") launched sales of SmartSDN Controller in November 2013 to provide the unique features of "flexible network configuration management to cope with potential network errors or various traffic conditions" and "maintenance and operation of virtual networks such as connection checks and communication channel testing." On May 22, 2014 (Thu.), a new version of SmartSDN Controller is released with additional functions to enhance the reliability of networks by applying Open Flow*1 standard specifications (applicable to OpenFlow 1.3) and OpenFlow switch*2 redundant configuration (applicable to MC-LAG*3).
1. Additional Functions
(1) Enhancement of mutual connectivity with OpenFlow switch applicable to OpenFlow 1.3- SmartSDN Controller is now compatible with OpenFlow 1.3, the standard specification for OpenFlow. This ensures mutual connectivity with various OpenFlow switches since OpenFlow switches compliant with OpenFlow1.3 are at present the mainstream for long-term stability.
- Although conventional network configurations contain a single OpenFlow switch and a link for an external L2SW,*4 this system achieves a redundancy by containing two different OpenFlow switches and links to configure LAG (Link Aggregation). This configuration enables the system to be applied to a wider range of usage for the links, as well as to minimize the time for influencing the system in a case of system errors, which increases the reliability in connection of the networks.
2. Operating Environment (as of May 21, 2014)
With this system, users are required to install SmartSDN to the server to control OpenFlow switches complying with the standard specification (OpenFlow) from SmartSDN Controllers.+ Control Server
OS: Red Hat Enterprise Linux 6.4
+ Support switch
OpenFlow1.2 and 1.3
*More to be made available as necessary.
3. Future Scenario
NTT Comware will continue to provide more functions to meet customer needs, aiming to create better future ICT with simple and effective network operation management, by applying our technologies, fostered and accumulated over many years, to data centers in transition to the cloud environment and inhouse LAN networks for enterprise users, as well as to the core networks of data communication carriers.(This product will be demonstrated at "Interop Tokyo 2014,h SDI Showcase exhibition in June 2014.)
Notes:
*1 OpenFlow: This is the candidate with most potential to be the international standard for realizing SDN. It enables the "Controllerh software that manages the entire network to control individual switches, a function belonged to the switches in conventional systems.
*2 OpenFlow switch: This is relay equipment to enable packet communication within a network. The function is managed by the Controller in OpenFlow.
*3 MC-LAG: An abbreviation for Multi Chassis-LAG. This is technology to increase the redundancy of links and nodes, configured with two chassis to activate LAG (Link Aggregation).
*4 L2SW: One of the relay devices on a network. This is a change point for packet communication using data in a data link layer (the second layer) of OSI reference model (according to the design policy for network configuration to achieve data communication with devices in a different standard, by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the model is part of a layer configuration of the functions of communication devices such as personal computers). (SmartSDN Controller-based control is exceptional.)
** SmartSDN is a trademark of NTT Comware.
** Names of corporations and products are either the trademarks or registered trademarks of each corporation.
The information shown in this page is the latest as of the day of the release. It is subject to change without further notice. Thank you for your understanding.
*1 OpenFlow: This is the candidate with most potential to be the international standard for realizing SDN. It enables the "Controllerh software that manages the entire network to control individual switches, a function belonged to the switches in conventional systems.
*2 OpenFlow switch: This is relay equipment to enable packet communication within a network. The function is managed by the Controller in OpenFlow.
*3 MC-LAG: An abbreviation for Multi Chassis-LAG. This is technology to increase the redundancy of links and nodes, configured with two chassis to activate LAG (Link Aggregation).
*4 L2SW: One of the relay devices on a network. This is a change point for packet communication using data in a data link layer (the second layer) of OSI reference model (according to the design policy for network configuration to achieve data communication with devices in a different standard, by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), the model is part of a layer configuration of the functions of communication devices such as personal computers). (SmartSDN Controller-based control is exceptional.)
** SmartSDN is a trademark of NTT Comware.
** Names of corporations and products are either the trademarks or registered trademarks of each corporation.
