Power, Control, and Data Processing Systems

Power, Control, and Data Processing Systems

A Comprehensive Survey on Methodologies of Implementing Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Document Type : Original Research

Author
Najmeh Farajipour Ghohroud
Department of computer engineering, e-Institute of Higher Education, Iranians University, Tehran, Iran
10.30511/pcdp.2025.2066687.1037
Abstract
Software-Defined Networking (SDN) revolutionizes network architecture by decoupling the control plane from the data plane, which allows for centralized control, enhanced programmability, and remarkable network agility. This paradigm facilitates more straightforward management and dynamic policy enforcement across a variety of devices and environments. The main methodologies explored include OpenFlow-based architectures, which emphasize strict protocol-driven communication between the controller and the data plane switches, enabling direct programmability. Another approach involves API-driven control of legacy or traditional network devices, leveraging standard interfaces like SNMP, CLI, or REST APIs to integrate them into an SDN framework without full replacement. The hypervisor-based overlay virtualization networks method creates virtual networks atop physical infrastructures, enhancing flexibility and isolation, while hybrid SDN deployments combine legacy and SDN elements to balance innovation with operational continuity.

Each methodology presents unique benefits and limitations regarding scalability, security, hardware dependencies, and deployment complexity. For instance, OpenFlow architectures provide high programmability but require compatible hardware, whereas API-driven SDN extends SDN benefits to existing infrastructure at the cost of some openness. Current research challenges addressed include scalability in controller design, robust security mechanisms to prevent attacks such as denial-of-service and spoofing, and standardization to ensure interoperability among diverse vendors and platforms. This comprehensive review assists both researchers and network practitioners in choosing appropriate SDN implementation strategies compatible with specific operational requirements and future-proofing networks through this adaptive technology.
Keywords
Software-Defined Networking
SDN Implementation
OpenFlow
API-based SDN
Overlay Networks
Hybrid SDN
Network Virtualization

Subjects

[1]    H. F. Xavier and S. Seol, “A comparative study on control models of software-defined networking (SDN),” ces, vol. 7, pp. 1747–1753, 2014, doi: 10.12988/ces.2014.411234. 
[2]    N. McKeown et al., “OpenFlow,” SIGCOMM Comput. Commun. Rev., vol. 38, no. 2, pp. 69–74, Mar. 2008, doi: 10.1145/1355734.1355746. 
[3]    ONF. Open Networking Foundation. https://opennetworking.org/. 
[4]    Open Networking Foundation. (2014). SDN Architecture Overview. Whitepaper. 
[5]    D. Tsolkas et al., “Network & Service Management Advancements - Key frameworks and Interfaces towards open, Intelligent and reliable 6G networks,” Zenodo, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.5281/ZENODO.15011613.
[6]    H. Elabd, J. Dingel, T. F. Lau, and A. Tizghadam, “Enhancing automated network function onboarding through language extension and code refactoring,” Softw Syst Model, Aug. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s10270-025-01311-3.
[7]    X. Huang, S. Cheng, K. Cao, P. Cong, T. Wei, and S. Hu, “A Survey of Deployment Solutions and Optimization Strategies for Hybrid SDN Networks,” IEEE Commun. Surv. Tutorials, vol. 21, no. 2, pp. 1483–1507, 2019, doi: 10.1109/comst.2018.2871061. 
[8]    P. Vaid, S. K. Bhadu, and R. M. Vaid, “Intrusion detection system in Software defined Network using machine learning approach - Survey,” 2021 6th International Conference on Communication and Electronics Systems (ICCES). IEEE, pp. 803–807, July 08, 20. 
[9]    Sandhya, Y. Sinha, and K. Haribabu, “A survey: Hybrid SDN,” Journal of Network and Computer Applications, vol. 100, pp. 35–55, Dec. 2017, doi: 10.1016/j.jnca.2017.10.003. 
[10]    T. E. Ali, M. A. Abdala, and A. H. Morad, “SDN Implementation in Data Center Network,” jcm, pp. 223–228, 2019, doi: 10.12720/jcm.14.3.223-228. 
[11]    M. Alsaeedi, M. M. Mohamad, and A. A. Al-Roubaiey, “Toward Adaptive and Scalable OpenFlow-SDN Flow Control: A Survey,” IEEE Access, vol. 7, pp. 107346–107379, 2019, doi: 10.1109/access.2019.2932422. 
[12]    O. Tiamiyu, S. Onidare, H. Akande, O. Ajayi, and A. Ogbotobo, “Implementation and Comparison of Software-Defined Network Controllers in various Simulated Network Environments.” Springer Science and Business Media LLC, May 14, 2024. doi: 10.21203/rs.3. 
[13]    J. Yan, X. Liu, and D. Jin, “Simulation of a Software-Defined Network as One Big Switch,” Proceedings of the 2017 ACM SIGSIM Conference on Principles of Advanced Discrete Simulation. ACM, pp. 149–159, May 16, 2017. doi: 10.1145/3064911.3064918. 
[14]    OpenDaylight Project. https://www.opendaylight.org. 
[15]    L. Mamushiane, A. Lysko, and S. Dlamini, “A comparative evaluation of the performance of popular SDN controllers,” 2018 Wireless Days (WD). IEEE, pp. 54–59, Apr. 2018. doi: 10.1109/wd.2018.8361694. 
[16]    D. Hui, S. H. Wei, L. O. Bi, X. Zhu, and S.-K. Yoon, “Performance Evaluation of Ryu, OpenDayLight and Floodlight Controllers in Diverse Software-Defined Networking Topologies,” Jour. of Adv. Res. Design, vol. 132, no. 1, pp. 103–114, May 2025, doi: 10. 
[17]    A. Mardaus, E. Biernacka, R. Wójcik, and J. Domżał, “Open Source SDN Controllers – Operational and Security Issues.” MDPI AG, Apr. 30, 2024. doi: 10.20944/preprints202404.1984.v1. 
[18]    Montazerolghaem and S. Imanpour, “Evaluation and Performance Analysis of the Ryu Controller in Various Network Scenarios,” 2025, arXiv. doi: 10.48550/ARXIV.2505.19290. 
[19]    Rathore, Vishal, and Mahak Jatav. “Advancements in Computer Networking: A Comprehensive Overview of Emerging Technologies, Protocols, and Trends”, IJCTET, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 416–420, Apr. 2024, Accessed: Sep. 09, 2025. 
[20]    A. Rahdari et al., “Security and Privacy Challenges in SDN-Enabled IoT Systems: Causes, Proposed Solutions, and Future Directions,” CMC, vol. 80, no. 2, pp. 2511–2533, 2024, doi: 10.32604/cmc.2024.052994. 
[21]    Gupta, Parth Mukul. "Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Revolutionizing Network Infrastructure for the Future." Software-Defined Network Frameworks. CRC Press, 2024. 89-108. 
[22]    S. E. Vadakkethil Somanathan Pillai and K. Polimetla, “Mitigating DDoS Attacks using SDN-based Network Security Measures,” 2024 International Conference on Integrated Circuits and Communication Systems (ICICACS). IEEE, pp. 1–7, Feb. 23, 2024. doi: 10. 
[23]    M. A. Setitra, M. Fan, I. Benkhaddra, and Z. E. A. Bensalem, “DoS/DDoS attacks in Software Defined Networks: Current situation, challenges and future directions,” Computer Communications, vol. 222, pp. 77–96, June 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.comcom.2024.04.0. 
[24]    K. G. Yalda, D. J. Hamad, N. Tapus, and I. T. Okumus, “Security Issues in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Environments,” 2024 23rd RoEduNet Conference: Networking in Education and Research (RoEduNet). IEEE, pp. 1–8, Sept. 19, 2024. doi: 10.1109/roed. 
[25]    A. H. Janabi, T. Kanakis, and M. Johnson, “Survey: Intrusion Detection System in Software-Defined Networking,” IEEE Access, vol. 12, pp. 164097–164120, 2024, doi: 10.1109/access.2024.3493384. 
[26]    J. Alotaibi, “A hybrid software-defined networking approach for enhancing IoT cybersecurity with deep learning and blockchain in smart cities,” Peer-to-Peer Netw. Appl., vol. 18, no. 3, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s12083-025-01935-8. 
[27]    A. Rahdari et al., “Security and Privacy Challenges in SDN-Enabled IoT Systems: Causes, Proposed Solutions, and Future Directions,” CMC, vol. 80, no. 2, pp. 2511–2533, 2024, doi: 10.32604/cmc.2024.052994. 
[28]    A. Rahdari et al., “Security and Privacy Challenges in SDN-Enabled IoT Systems: Causes, Proposed Solutions, and Future Directions,” CMC, vol. 80, no. 2, pp. 2511–2533, 2024, doi: 10.32604/cmc.2024.052994. 
[29]    N. Mohamed, “Current trends in AI and ML for cybersecurity: A state-of-the-art survey,” Cogent Engineering, vol. 10, no. 2, Oct. 2023, doi: 10.1080/23311916.2023.2272358. 
[30]    O. José Salcedo Parra, L. Correa Sánchez, and J. Gómez, “The Evolution of VANET: A Review of Emerging Trends in Artificial Intelligence and Software-Defined Networks,” IEEE Access, vol. 13, pp. 49187–49213, 2025, doi: 10.1109/access.2025.3548640. 
[31]    D. Kalambe, D. Sharma, P. Kadam, and S. Surati, “A comprehensive plane-wise review of DDoS attacks in SDN: Leveraging detection and mitigation through machine learning and deep learning,” Journal of Network and Computer Applications, vol. 235, p. 1040. 
[32]    Barsha Rani Das, Syed Rakib Hasan, Saifur Rahman Sabuj, Md Akbar Hossain, Sayan Kumar Ray, "A Comprehensive Survey on Emerging AI Technologies for 6G Communications: Research Direction, Trends, Challenges, and Opportunities," International Journal of Intelligent Networks, 2025. 
[33]    C. Yeh, Y.-S. Choi, Y.-J. Ko, and I.-G. Kim, “Standardization and technology trends of artificial intelligence for mobile systems,” Computer Communications, vol. 213, pp. 169–178, Jan. 2024, doi: 10.1016/j.comcom.2023.11.004. 
[34]    O. M. S. Hassan and F. Keti, “A Review on the Challenges and Opportunities of Software Defined Networks Toward 5G and 6G,” ejaset, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 55–66, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.59324/ejaset.2025.3(2).05. 
[35]    Ali, Shabir, et al. "A roadmap to AI-assisted fog computing using SDN over 6G RAN." Intelligent Computing and Communication Techniques. CRC Press, 2025. 195-201. 
[36]    R. Singh, L. M. P. Larsen, E. Ollora Zaballa, M. S. Berger, C. Kloch, and L. Dittmann, “Enabling Green Cellular Networks: A Review and Proposal Leveraging Software-Defined Networking, Network Function Virtualization, and Cloud-Radio Access Network,” F. 
[37]    R. Singh, L. M. P. Larsen, E. Ollora Zaballa, M. S. Berger, C. Kloch, and L. Dittmann, “Enabling Green Cellular Networks: A Review and Proposal Leveraging Software-Defined Networking, Network Function Virtualization, and Cloud-Radio Access Network,” F. 
Power, Control, and Data Processing Systems
Volume 2, Issue 4
Autumn 2025
Pages 36-45

  • Receive Date 22 July 2025
  • Revise Date 03 August 2025
  • Accept Date 04 August 2025
  • First Publish Date 04 August 2025
  • Publish Date 01 December 2025