EVOLUTION OF SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORKING IN ENTERPRISE AND SERVICE PROVIDER NETWORKS: OPPORTUNITIES, CHALLENGES, AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Afsara Tasnim  Shama

doi:10.51699/cajmtcs.v3i7.979

Authors

Afsara Tasnim Shama Department of Computer Science, Independent University, Bangladesh

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51699/cajmtcs.v3i7.979

Keywords:

Network Automation, Network Performance, Software-Defined Networking, Service Provider Networks, Enterprise Networks

Abstract

Background: The fast growth of cloud computing, virtualization, artificial intelligence, and digital transformation have made networking systems in enterprises and service providers more complicated, thus raising the need for intelligent, flexible, and scalable network management solutions. Software-defined networking is an innovative approach in networking that enhances centralized control, automation, efficiency of resource usage, and service provision. Methods: A quantitative study employing a cross-sectional online survey was undertaken with 175 network professionals across the United States. Data collection was done through an online questionnaire while IBM SPSS Statistics 29 was used for data analysis. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation test, and multiple regression were some of the methods applied. Results: It was found that 43.4% of firms have implemented software-defined networking. Network agility (89.1%) was recognized as the greatest organizational benefit, while the legacy infrastructure integration (25.7%) served as the greatest implementation issue. Pearson correlation test showed that there were significant positive correlations between all research variables. Multiple regression analysis proved that software-defined networking had the greatest positive impact on the network performance (β = 0.298, p < 0.001) and the developed model could explain 73.4% of the network performance variance (R² = 0.734). In addition, all formulated hypotheses were supported statistically. Conclusion: Software-defined networking considerably improves the network performance in an organization through the improvement of automation, scalability, traffic optimization, and centralization. Although some implementation issues exist, companies implementing integrated software-defined networking systems are capable of creating secure and resilient network infrastructures ready for future sustainable digital transformation.

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