Networks are everywhere. Today, security, stability and scalability are critical for the successful implementation of business-critical applications. However, the administration and management of the network infrastructure presents many companies with a challenge that conventional network concepts have long been unable to fulfill. The racksnet® SDN solution offers solution architects and administrators a unique, vendor-independent approach to automated management of network infrastructures.
Software Defined Networking
Leading the way
racksnet® SDN Solution
The racksnet® SDN solution is an essential step in the evolution of Software Defined Networking.
The agile cloud, the SDN controller and the open API create a unified solution that enables users to gain insights into and control of their own network infrastructure at any time and from any place.
An integral part of the racksnet® SDN solution is the racksnet® SDN Controller (vAppliance). Southbound, it communicates centralized with every single component of the network infrastructure. Northbound, the controller communicates with the racksnet® SDN Cloud, where all configuration and management processes take place. The racksnet® cloud itself offers a standardized interface for the integration of 3rd party applications with REST API.
The racksnet® SDN solution is agile, scalable and easy to use due to its unique, device- and vendor-independent unified GUI.
high factor of integration
Components of the racksnet® SDN solution
The racksnet® SDN concept consists of three interlinked components: First, the agile and customizable racksnet® Cloud, which controls the racksnet® Controller and finally the open API, which allows 3rd party applications to connect to network components via the racksnet® Cloud.
Component 1
racksnet® SDN Cloud
A central component of the racksnet® solution is the flexible and agile cloud for multi-vendor networks. It offers users a unique and above all easy-to-use drag & drop whiteboard GUI. This makes the planning, setup and validation of networks much easier than with conventional solutions.
The most important functions of the cloud:
- Monitoring or control of the single or multi-site controllers installed at the customer’s site
- Control and manage networks through the integrated racksnet GUI or 3rd party applications
- Automation of customer networks using templates integrated into the software
Component 2
racksnet® SDN Controller
The SDN controller is a virtual appliance and is located in the customer’s network (e.g. server VLAN, DMZ) and implements the network policies sent to it from the racksnet® SDN Cloud (e.g. provisioning of VLANs, ACLs, routing, port tagging, device health check, e.g. CPU health, memory, temperature, online/offline etc.).
The controller operates:
- Northbound: With a standardized interface for secure REST connection to the racksnet® SDN Cloud for further processing of network automation and advanced management processes
Southbound: Uses standardized interfaces and technologies (NETCONF, RESTCONF, SNMP, PYTHON) for the connection to the network infrastructure (switches, routers, ToR, wireless controllers etc.)
Component 3
API to 3rd-Party-Applications
Customers who prefer to use their own applications instead of the integrated whiteboard app from racksnet® can use the open API to connect their applications to the racksnet® SDN cloud. In this way, 3rd party applications (CMDB, Unified Communications, IP-PBX, Security etc.) can more easily adapt their network infrastructure to their individual needs and program accordingly.
All in one
Single- and Multi-Site Management
Regardless of whether you need to manage and automate one or more IT infrastructures. The intelligent multi-controller architecture of the racksnet® network automation software enables you to manage your distributed IT sites 24/7 from anywhere in the world.
Major advantages of the racksnet ® SDN solution:
- Easy-to-use, centralized solution for controlling, monitoring and managing enterprise networks
- Better structuring of the network through a distributed controller architecture
- Faster and more secure verification and implementation of corporate standards
