Top 10 Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Solutions in 2022 - Spiceworks (2024)

Software-defined networking (SDN) is defined as a network management model that uses programmable network configurations to improve performance, reduce network provisioning costs, and simplify network monitoring. This article lists the top 10 SDN solutions in 2022 and the five must-have features to look for before shortlisting one.

Key Must-have Features of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Solutions

Software-defined networking (SDN) is defined as a network management model that uses programmable network configurations to improve performance, reduce network provisioning costs, and simplify network monitoring.

Essentially, it transforms network operations to make it more like cloud management instead of physically maneuvering hardware switches, gateways, firewalls, and other network appliances. According to Verizon’s 2018 report “Move fast, stay ahead”, 15% of companies have already adopted SDN, and 57% plan to do so in the near future. Here are the five features companies must look for when selecting an SDN solution provider:

1. Cloud-compatibility

Most modern IT environments are heterogeneous in nature. This means that a combination of private and public clouds co-exists with on-premise servers and containers. The SDN solution you choose must be able to support the entire cloud environment. Applications hosted on-premise and on the cloud must be able to run on your software-defined network with adequate monitoring and governance. Ideally, the SDN console should be hosted on the cloud for easy access.

2. Integration-readiness

SDN solutions do not work as a standalone tool or an appliance. They must mandatorily connect with the rest of your enterprise stack, including network components, business applications, and IT monitoring tools. The primary purpose of SDN is to provide you with consolidated visibility into network operations and granular control over performance. Therefore, the SDN solution you choose should support integrations via application programming interfaces (APIs) and prebuilt connectors.

3. Data and analytics

The ability to view network performance data and derive analytics insights is one of the key benefits of SDN. By connecting with your applications, network switches, and traffic gateways, SDN reveals key information about resource utilization in the enterprise. You can also detect network bottlenecks before they become a problem. You may also investigate network anomalies to hunt threats and obtain security intelligence. Therefore, your SDN solution should be able to provide you with real-time dashboards and on-demand network reports.

4. Programmability

When a system is programmable, you can feed it instructions through software code to automate its processes. A programmable SDN solution allows you to set up automated workflows based on specific performance parameters. For example, you can permit or deny traffic depending on the security policies. The SDN solution may come with a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI) to write the automation code.

5. Support

Finally, the SDN solution provider should be able to support your network transformation journey from end to end. Depending on your current state of maturity, you may or may not require consultancy and advisory services. But ensure that your SDN partner offers telephonic and on-site help. It should also provide training sessions and resources for ongoing support. Ideally, the provider or one of their partners should have an office in your region.

See More: What Is Local Area Network (LAN)? Definition, Types, Architecture, and Best Practices

Top 10 Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Solutions in 2022

From an $8 billion market in 2020, SDN is expected to be worth over $43 billion globally by 2027, according to Statista. This is due to increased investment in cloud migration of IT infrastructure, which entails shrinking reliance on networks and other hardware. Let us discuss the top companies in this rapidly growing space (arranged in alphabetical order).

Disclaimer: This list is based on publicly available information and may include vendor websites that sell to mid-to-large enterprises. Readers are advised to conduct their final research to ensure the best fit for their unique organizational needs.

1. Cisco Meraki

Overview: Meraki was originally a cloud-managed IT company founded in 2006. It was acquired by Cisco in 2012 to use its technology for Cisco’s wireless network offerings. Cisco Meraki offers software-defined solutions for network management, covering WAN, Wi-Fi, mobile device management, IoT, and other related areas.

Key features: Here are the key features of this solution:

• • Cloud-compatible: Meraki is a fully cloud-based platform and offers solutions to transfer network operations to the cloud.
  • Integration-ready: Meraki has open application programming interface (API) services for flexible integrations and a marketplace of 140+ pre-built integrations.
  • Data and analytics-driven: You can use Meraki Insight to obtain analytics on your local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and SaaS traffic flows.
  • Programmable: Meraki supports a significant degree of automation through its integrated architecture.
  • Well supported: Cisco is known for robust support. It offers detailed documentation as well as a peer-to-peer community.

USP: Cisco Meraki does not require too much configuration or customization to get started. You can select your SDN use case (e.g., hybrid workforce, smart spaces, remote work, etc.), and the company provides a suitable SDN solution.

Pricing: Meraki’s SDN components are priced separately, and annual licenses start at $150.

Editorial comments: Companies with well-defined use cases can rely on Meraki to accelerate SDN deployment.

2. Cisco+ NaaS

Overview: In 2021, Cisco announced network as a service (NaaS) offerings under the Cisco+ solution brand. Cisco+ includes all the tools, technologies, and service support you’d need to execute, monitor, and manage your SDN landscape. This includes components such as secure access service edge (SASE), network security, hybrid cloud compatibility, and much more.

Key features: Here are the key features of this solution:

• • Cloud-compatible: Cisco+ is a fully cloud-enabled solution meant for companies looking to shed on-premise dependencies.
  • Integration-ready: Cisco is partnering with many technology and OEM partners to power integrations for Cisco+.
  • Data and analytics-driven: Cisco+ can be connected with third-party analytics services in addition to its built-in network monitoring, firewall, packet inspection, security policy enforcement, and application performance diagnostics data dashboards.
  • Programmable: Cisco+ NaaS enables the automation of new user onboarding, network orchestration, and several other key processes.
  • Well supported: Cisco provides full lifecycle management support for your SDN.

USP: Cisco’s solution bundles core network hardware, compute, and storage services with an ‘as a service’ model to create a comprehensive, affordable SDN solution.

Pricing: Since it is a newly launched solution, pricing information is yet to be disclosed — you can use the Cisco Quick Pricing Tool (QPT) to get a quote.

Editorial comments: Cisco+ NaaS introduces a whole new way to manage your network and IT infrastructure while continuing to gain from Cisco’s market-leading capabilities.

3. Cradlepoint NetCloud

Overview: Founded in 2006, Cradlepoint specializes in wireless networking solutions built on 4G, 5G, and WAN. The company was acquired by Ericsson in 2020 but continues to operate as a standalone subsidiary. Its flagship product, Cradlepoint NetCloud, helps build and consolidate a wireless network environment using cloud-based, software-defined technology.

Key features: Here are the key features of this solution:

• • Cloud-compatible: NetCloud is a cloud-based software for network management, covering WAN, LAN, and IoT.
  • Integration-ready: It has a wide range of software development kits (SDKs) to power extensibility.
  • Data and analytics-driven: You can obtain full-stack analytics insights into network health, application performance, and security.
  • Programmable: NetCloud is programmable through policy-based controls, which allow automation based on traffic routing policies.
  • Well supported: Cradlepoint has dedicated teams in the Asia-Pacific, North America, Latin America, Africa, and Europe to deliver global support.

USP: Cradlepoint NetCloud lets you govern all enterprise connectivity technologies like LTE, 5G, WAN, and IoT through a singular SDN platform. You can also explore bespoke SDN solutions for small office/home office (SOHO) and branch requirements.

Pricing: An annual license for the NetCloud Essentials platform will cost between $36 and $40.

Editorial comments: Cradlepoint is among the few companies to provide SDN support for small to mid-sized organizations while ensuring scalability.

See More: What Is Wide Area Network (WAN)? Definition, Types, Architecture, and Best Practices

4. Dell SDN Solution

Overview: Dell’s SDN solution is relatively new in the market. Dell, founded in 1984, is a U.S.-based computer technology company that’s known for its hardware products. It also has a strong enterprise software arm and has recently partnered with VMware to co-develop SDN solutions. Dell SDN has been available since 2019 and delivers an all-in-one solution by combining Dell’s IT infrastructure and VMware’s VeloCloud software.

Key features: Here are the key features of this solution:

• • Cloud-compatible: Dell SDN relies on the cloud-delivered VeloCloud platform for network management.
  • Integration-ready: Dell offers REST APIs for flexible integrations, and the open networking architecture means that you can connect Dell SDN with any existing enterprise system.
  • Data and analytics-driven: It uses streaming telemetry to aggregate operational data and statistics from network components and visualizes them in an intuitive manner.
  • Programmable: The Dell Networking Operating System has an industry-standard command-line interface (CLI) with rich programmable features for automated operations.
  • Well supported: You will receive full lifecycle management support from both Dell EMC and VMware teams.

USP: Dell SDN allows you to manage data center fabric orchestration as well as network switches, gateways, and processes through a consolidated cloud solution.

Pricing: The pricing for this SDN depends on underlying components like ethernet fabrics, networking operating systems, and controllers.

Editorial comments: Dell SDN has the potential to simplify open networking adoption for large enterprises without retrenching existing investments.

5. IBM SDN Services

Overview: Founded in 1911, IBM has served governments and enterprise companies for over a century. It specializes in SDN consultancy, assessment, and strategy, along with its own data centers and NaaS offering. With IBM, companies can gain from a holistic portfolio with end-to-end support. Along with the core technology and solution components, IBM also offers robust managed services and scalability to reduce long-term costs.

Key features: Here are the key features of this solution:

• • Cloud-compatible: IBM partners with global cloud majors to deliver SDN solutions compatible with your unique cloud environment.
  • Integration-ready: IBM’s partner ecosystem, along with custom development capabilities, ensures there is a tightly integrated SDN ecosystem.
  • Data and analytics-driven: The IBM Cloud Network Intelligent Control Center reveals detailed insights into network functions and services.
  • Programmable: It leverages Red Hat’s Ansible Automation Platform (owned by IBM) to power automated network orchestration.
  • Well supported: IBM provides end-to-end support, from strategy and assessment to design, deployment, monitoring, and maintenance.

USP: IBM has developed self-healing and auto-scaling capabilities that help maintain network health at all times with minimal manual intervention.

Pricing: IBM SDN is custom priced — you can speak to a consultant on the company website for a free quote.

Editorial comments: IBM is the ideal partner for companies looking to leverage SDN as one of the cogs in a larger digital transformation schematic.

6. Junos Space

Overview: Junos Space is an SDN management platform by the AI networking and cloud technologies leader Juniper Networks. Juniper was founded in 1996 and is traded on the NYSE. It’s known for its SDN network security and networking hardware products and has offices around the world. The Junos Space platform simplifies network management through automation, instant scaling, and seamless integrations. Junos also includes same-day support.

Key features: Here are the key features of this solution:

• • Cloud-compatible: Junos Space supports deployment on private and public clouds as well as on-premise servers, so you can host SDN software where you choose.
  • Integration-ready: It uses a purpose-built technology called northbound APIs (specific to SDN applications) to integrate with existing systems.
  • Data and analytics-driven: Juniper’s various offerings like Junos Space Network Management Platform, Security Director, and Junos Space Network Director furnish exhaustive network analytics.
  • Programmable: It offers a programmable SDK to automate network processes and a simple point-and-click interface for operator-centric automation.
  • Well supported: Juniper has a robust knowledge base and training center for certification, on-demand learning, and live training sessions.

USP: Junos Space delivers an effective fault, configuration, accounting, performance, and security management (FCAPS) capability built on a cloud-based SDN. This simplifies network management while ensuring capacity and performance.

Pricing: The JUNOS Space Network Management Platform is available at $3,717.99 for a three-year license.

Editorial comments: Juniper Networks’ artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities add a competitive edge to this resilient, scalable, and flexible SD solution.

See More: Wide Area Network (WAN) vs. Local Area Network (LAN): Key Differences and Similarities

7. Masergy

Overview: Masergy Communications is an SDN company founded in 2000. It leverages the cloud to offer a wide range of enterprise solutions, from managed SD-WAN to unified communications, managed security services, and cloud-based contact centers. Comcast acquired Masergy in 2021, but it continues to operate as an independent subsidiary in the SDN space. This also includes SASE and managed services, in addition to core network components.

Key features: Here are the key features of this solution:

• • Cloud-compatible: Masergy is a cloud-native company, and the SDN solution is compatible with all major public clouds like Azure, Amazon Web Services (AWS), and Google.
  • Integration-ready: Masergy SDN is easy to integrate with your existing network offerings, owing to its pre-built integrations and APIs.
  • Data and analytics-driven: The Masergy SDN portal includes powerful data analytics enabled by AI.
  • Programmable: You can leverage Masergy’s co-managed solution to enable granular automations based on WAN rules, firewall policies, and security configurations.
  • Well supported: Masergy offers 100% managed services with robust SLAs and 24/7 network monitoring.

USP: Masergy is extremely flexible and can fit a variety of enterprise environments. Further, it has partnered with Fortinet to provide strong security services along with its software-defined network management offerings.

Pricing: Masergy SDN is custom priced, and you can contact a specialist for a quote as per your needs.

Editorial comments: Masergy was among the early pioneers in SDN and SASE, and its new network-related offerings maintain a steadfast focus on security.

8. Nuage Networks

Overview: Nuage Networks is a Nokia venture geared to provide SDN and SD-WAN solutions through public and private cloud infrastructure around the world. It offers a full breadth of tools to transform your network using software-defined technology. This includes network virtualization, end-to-end network automation, and much more. These are consolidated under the Nuage Networks Virtualized Services Platform (VSP), which spans SDN, SD-WAN, and the cloud.

Key features: Here are the key features of this solution:

• • Cloud-compatible: The Nuage Network platform is cloud-first and can connect with many public, private, and hybrid cloud environments, including containers.
  • Integration-ready: Nuage Networks SDN is built on an open architecture so that you can connect it with any network or enterprise tool you need.
  • Data and analytics-driven: Nuage’s network management portal provides deep visibility into network data at the application performance layer, with fine-grain access control and performance visualization.
  • Programmable: It makes network infrastructure programmable based on security policies and application traffic performance.
  • Well supported: Nuage has managed service partners around the world and also has one of the industry’s premier SDN training programs to support deployment.

USP: Nuage Networks makes it possible to consolidate the management of your software-defined network landscape, private cloud-based data centers, and public cloud resources. Also, it is powered by Nokia’s Service Router Operating System (SR OS).

Pricing: Nuage Networks SDN offers custom pricing, but you also opt for a free trial.

Editorial comments: Nokia is globally recognized for its software-defined capabilities for communication service providers (CSPs) and telcos, making Nuage ideal for large deployments.

9. Pica8

Overview: Pica8 is a 2009 founded company that offers affordable software solutions for network management. It combines network hardware from leading OEMs with an open architecture and open-source code to build highly flexible networking software. Pica8 can be integrated with virtually any enterprise system and can scale up to an infinite number of devices with seamless interoperability.

Key features: Here are the key features of this solution:

• • Cloud-compatible: Pica8 is a completely cloud-based software solution that sits as an overlay on top of your networking infrastructure.
  • Integration-ready: Pica8 supports infinite extensibility through open APIs so that there is no risk of vendor lock-in.
  • Data and analytics-driven: You can leverage a single console that surfaces operational insights across your SDN landscape via real-time dashboards.
  • Programmable: Pica8 offers a programmable network controller with a schedule and on-demand automation engine. You can integrate your Ansible Playbooks for custom automation workflows.
  • Well supported: Pica8 has a reliable support portal and a knowledge base. Additionally, customers can benefit from worldwide telephonic support and four escalation levels.

USP: Pica8 has an open networking architecture that seamlessly connects network components, hardware, and process automations without risking vendor lock-in.

Pricing: Pricing for Pica8 starts at $1,199.

Editorial comments: Pica8 is a good alternative for those concerned about costs and vendor lock-in of an enterprise-grade software-defined network management tool.

See More: What Is Network Access Control? Definition, Key Components and Best Practices

10. Riverbed SteelConnect

Overview: Riverbed Technology is a U.S.-based network hardware and software company founded in 2002. Its flagship product, Riverbed SteelConnect, includes SDN infrastructure, a centralized management platform, network analytics, and SteelHead to automate performance optimization across all your networks. Riverbed amplifies its value proposition with ancillary cloud and infrastructure management tools.

Key features: Here are the key features of this solution:

• • Cloud-compatible: Riverbed SteelConnect is designed specifically for hybrid cloud environments and optimizes your cloud resource usage.
  • Integration-ready: It is an open and flexible platform that supports API integrations. Riverbed also partners with ServiceNow, Splunk, Palo Alto Networks, and other providers for native integrations.
  • Data and analytics-driven: It provides broad visibility and analytics so that you can correlate various classes of network data, monitor utilization, and investigate threat forensics.
  • Programmable: You can automate the provisioning and management of network resources through Riverbed SteelConnect.
  • Well supported: Riverbed offers a variety of support options through first-party professional services and a network of third-party support partners.

USP: Riverbed has a unique credits program. It allows you to purchase Global Customer Success (GCS) credits before deployment and redeem them for any type of professional service you may need throughout the course of the engagement, even without prior planning.

Pricing: The cost of SteelConnect varies as per the hosting environment. For instance, it costs $0.25 per hour along with infrastructure costs when hosted on Azure.

Editorial comments: SteelConnect is a comprehensive suite solution that simplifies every aspect of network management while helping navigate hybrid network complexities.

Product Comparison: Top Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Solutions in 2022

See More: Top 10 Network Access Control Software Solutions in 2021

Key takeaways

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a rapidly growing industry. Between 2020 and 2027, the global value of SDN technologies will increase by over five times. By switching to SDN from traditional hardware-based solutions, enterprises can save on maintenance costs, upgrade in a more agile manner, and introduce new efficiencies.

However, it is important to ensure that the SDN solution you choose is cloud-based, integration-ready, data and analytics-driven, programmable, and well-supported. It’s important to conduct your research, assess your unique requirements, and choose a solution that adds genuine value to your enterprise.

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