How does the deployment of OpenFlow affect the hardware and software of the data center?

How can I change the hardware and software to successfully deploy OpenFlow? Are there any interoperability considerations?

Stephen J. Bigelow:OpenFlow deployment requires OpenFlow-compliant switches, such as HP ProCurve or IBM G8264, and OpenFlow controllers, such as the Big Network Controller from Big Switch Networks. NEC also provides PF1000 vswitches for Hyper-V to support network Virtualization in OpenFlow Software Defined network SDN and Windows environments. The device usually includes the required software elements to support communication between the Controller and the switch.

Based on interoperability, the OpenFlow protocol solves the precautions for message passing and Program Planning. However, the actual hardware-level design of OpenFlow routers, switches, or other network devices is not defined. As long as the device complies with the preset instructions and Protocol language specifications, the vendor can independently design the device internally.

Although OpenFlow devices should be operated in the same standards, the overall interoperability cannot be guaranteed. Organizations that want to switch to SDN may want to use devices that can interwork with existing devices. For example, if Indiana University cooperates with the SDN interoperability lab, they are evaluating the SDN product interoperability.

In addition, IT planners should use internal tests or principles to demonstrate projects and verify interoperability when implementing and deploying SDN.

The main concern about interoperability is the backend compatibility, which ensures that later versions of OpenFlow standards can be used on devices running earlier versions. This may require firmware upgrades to older devices.