What is OpenFlow?
OpenFlow is a proposed standard for exchanging flow data between controllers and networking devices. OpenFlow has the potential to move our networking control plane into the world of Software Defined Networking. But what does that mean for you?
The biggest advantage to having a SDN/OpenFlow enabled network is that you’re able to add plugins to your control plane from multiple vendors. Since it is an open standard, anyone can write modules to add control features for your network, allowing you the flexibility to use any of those to enhance your network.
Panelists
Tech Field Day has done a great job bringing the top minds together, the line up looks something like this.
- Guido Appenzeller Kyle Foster (Big Switch)
- Curt Beckmann (Brocade)
- David Meyer (Cisco)
- Ed Crabbe (Google)
- David Ward (Juniper)
- Don Clark (NEC)
- Samrat Ganguily (NEC)
- Igor Gashinksy (Yahoo)
Watch the Stream
Followup
After the event, I hope to have some more interesting tidbits to update here as I will be taking some notes on the more interesting bits being discussed. But for now, be sure to check out the Packet Pusher’s blog for some great links and information on OpenFlow. Be on the lookout for an updated post hopefully later today.
Network engineer turned management currently servicing the enterprise data center market. I started working on networks in the ’90s and still feel like that was just a few years ago. Jack of all trades, master of none; I love to learn about everything. Feel free to ask me about photography, woodworking, nhra, watches, or even networking! — For feedback, please leave a comment on the article in question, and I’ll respond as soon as I can. For everything else including fan mail or death threats, contact me via twitter.
