Page 289 - Kaleidoscope Academic Conference Proceedings 2024

Innovation and Digital Transformation for a Sustainable World

SD-WAN is a typical application of SDN technology, platform, simplifying the configuration and
which combines network virtualization technology to management process of network devices, and reducing
achieve centralized management and optimization of wide operation and maintenance costs.
area network connections. SD-WAN establishes WAN
connection through the Internet and connects enterprise 6.2 Network Slicing
networks with different geographical distances, including
branch sites, breaking the limitations of traditional network Network slicing is a on-demand customized network
architecture. SD-WAN based on network virtualization is service approach that is based on network virtualization
gradually becoming the preferred solution for enterprise technology, dividing a physical network into multiple
network architecture due to its efficient, flexible, and secure logically independent, customized virtual networks. Each
characteristics [13-14]. slice can be independently designed, deployed, and
managed to meet the network needs of different industries
and scenarios.

Figure 3- SD-WAN based on network virtualization
Figure 4- Network Slicing Based on SDN and NFV
As shown in Figure 3, under the control of the SDN
controller, virtual data channels can be generated for the As shown in Figure 4, three slices of different services are
enterprise network to connect different sites (such as site 11 deployed (i.e. slice 1, slice 2, and slice 3). By using
and site 12). This strategy is centrally controlled by the network virtualization technology, 5G networks can
SDN controller (i.e. SD-WAN orchestrator) and applied to flexibly customize and quickly deploy network slices
network devices such as customer home devices, switches, according to customer needs [15]. These slices not only
routers, firewalls, and IPS. cover network element functions, but also involve data
connections, ensuring that each slice can meet specific
By utilizing SD-WAN, enterprises can flexibly configure business needs from customer.
and manage their networks without setting up specialized
hardware or network devices at each branch site. This In addition, the network virtualization management system
centralized control not only simplifies network can flexibly provide refined network isolation capabilities
management, but also improves network security. The according to customer needs. The data flow and
benefits and advantages are as follows: information exchange between different slices are strictly
controlled, thereby avoiding potential security risks. It not
only ensures the independence between slices, effectively
• High flexibility: Virtual data channels in SD-WAN enhances the security and availability of 5G slice networks,
can be quickly established and adjusted according to but also provides differentiated services for vertical
business requirements, without tedious physical circuit industries and ensures their safe and stable operation of
laying and configuration work.
business. The advantages can be mainly summarized in the
following aspects:
• Stability and reliability: The SDN controller can
monitor network status and adjust routing in real-time • Improve resource utilization: Network slicing can
to ensure the stability and reliability of data channels. effectively utilize physical network resources, create
slices according to demand, dynamically allocate
• Enhance security protection capabilities: By resources as needed, and avoid resource waste.
integrating security devices such as firewalls and IPS,
SDN technology can provide powerful security • Improve key performance: Network slicing can
protection capabilities to protect enterprise data from optimize performance according to business needs,
attacks and leaks. ensuring that key indicators such as data transmission
speed, latency, and bandwidth within the slicing reach
• Reduce operation and maintenance costs: The SDN optimal levels.
controller provides a unified network management

– 245 –