In: Computer Science
Illustrate a scenario where you think that VLAN trunking is effective. With appropriate diagrams, discuss the IEEE802.1Q protocol.
Explain the concept of control plane and data plane in Software Defined Networks in your own words. Evaluate the pros and cons of SDN with a suitable example that you can constitute from your surroundings or experience
VLANs(Virtual Local Area Network's) are an effective tool for modern networks, allowing you to restrict Layer 2 communications between devices by placing them into separate VLANs, yet to physically connect the devices to the same switching infrastructure.
VLAN Trunking
VLAN Trunking is designed for use in multi-switch, multi-VLAN networks, where administrators wish to configure VLANs centrally, as opposed to on each switch individually.It can be explained as nothing but a class of collection of switches in Administrative protocol. When you implement multiple VLANs across a network, trunk links are necessary to ensure that VLAN signals remain properly segregated for each to reach their intended destination.
Given Below is a scanerio where VLAN Trunking is used :
IEEE 802.1Q
The IEEE 802.1q is nothing but a networking standaed that allows multiple virtual LAN on an IEEE 802.3 ethernet network. The standard defines a system of VLAN tagging for Ethernet frames and the accompanying procedures to be used by bridges and switches in handling such frames. 802.1Q adds a 32-bit field between the source MAC address and the EtherType fields of the original frame. Under 802.1Q, the minimum frame size remains 64 bytes but a bridge may extend the minimum size frame from 64 to 68 bytes on transmission.
Control plane and Data Plane
Control plane refers to the all functions and processes that determine which path to use to send the packet or frame. It has a wide variety of processes that somehow finds the best path for the packet transport.
Data plane refers to all the functions and processes that forward packets/frames from one interface to another based on control plane logic.This is the function that forwards the specified packet through the route specified by control plane.
Pros and Cons of SDN
pros:
Separating the data plane and control plane gives the IT department an aerial-like view of the entire network. This makes changes much easier, as you can see the effects clearly.
The visibility allows IT departments to makes changes that can increase the speed of the entire network.
In many ways, SDN systems allow companies better security. The visibility helps the IT department spot any possible security breeches and stop it from spreading easily.
cons :
The controller is the way that the IT department will manage the network instead of the routers and switches.
One of the disadvantages of a SDN network is that since you are eliminating use of the physical routers and switches, you won't have the security that comes with them.