Abstract
M.Ing. (Electrical Engineering)
An important part of Information Technology is networking which has made communication between two or more computers or devices to be possible. Traditional network architecture is not able to meet the challenges of the current trends in networking due to the complexity of handling devices and its non-scalable nature. Software Defined Networking (SDN) is an emerging dynamic approach to networking that makes use of logically centralized controllers in managing a network thus simplifying network design and operation. The project involves the design of a prototype network based on SDN architecture. An analysis of the network is conducted by considering various aspects of the Software Defined Networks that affects its functionality such as transfer of data between the control plane and the data plane. Furthermore, we analyse the use of virtualization technology, troubleshooting and verification of the behaviour of SDN. Since SDN is a new networking approach, there are various aspects of the technology that still needs to be understood and improved. The aim of this research is to test the functionality and effectiveness of SDN and to investigate various aspects of the architecture that affects its operation. Recommendations and conclusions emerging from the analysis are made to enhance the understanding and functionality of SDN.