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Software defined networks : a comprehensive approach (2nd ed.)
Goransson P., Black C., Culver T., Morgan Kaufmann Publishers Inc., San Francisco, CA, 2016. 436 pp. Type: Book (978-0-128045-55-8)
Date Reviewed: Sep 19 2017

In the networking model of old, many users (clients) talk to a central server; this client-server model dominates network traffic. Nowadays, everyone has networked devices (smartphones, tablets, and so on) communicating with each other. A peer-to-peer model replaces the client-server model. This changes the data flow in networks. Many-to-one becomes many-to-many. As a result, networks must transform to deal with this new situation. The old hardwired networks have to be more agile and more versatile. Enter software-defined networking (SDN).

In a nutshell, SDN uses software to control the many functions of a traditional network routing device. Hence, it is more programmable and changeable and can be more easily adapted to the network traffic variations. Still, SDN is a relatively new and complex concept. This book does a good job of explaining what SDN is and how it works. For students and network practitioners alike, it is a good book to understand and grasp the concepts and details of SDN.

The book has 15 chapters, covering the definitions of SDN, how SDN works, the OpenFlow specifications (the most important protocol behind SDN), SDN applications, and the future of SDN. It is quite thorough.

The editing in general is very good. The figures are very clearly drawn. However, a little improvement is needed in the acronyms and index parts. For example, LDP is missing from both. Another example is ONE (Open Network Environment). In the index, ONE is listed as appearing on page 378, but page 378 contains the acronym only.

SDN is a developing technology. The authors have done a good job with this up-to-date book for anyone interested in SDN. As SDN develops, this second edition may become obsolete. It would be nice if the authors could set up a website to outline the newest material and error corrections when a future edition comes out. That would be a great benefit for readers.

More reviews about this item: Amazon, Goodreads

Reviewer:  R. S. Chang Review #: CR145546 (1711-0691)
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