LightSwitch 4810® (Click to Enlarge)

OpenFlow Technology

What is OpenFlow?

OpenFlow is an open standard that enables implementation of user-defined policies in live production networks.

Why is OpenFlow needed?

OpenFlow is useful for applications such as shared tenant cloud computing, virtual machine mobility, high-security networks and next generation IP based mobile networks.

How does OpenFlow Work?

OpenFlow support is implemented on standard commercial switches, routers and wireless access points. The control plane resides in servers external to the switch that provide a standardized interface for users to program the switch behavior.

Who is driving OpenFlow?

A team of researchers from Stanford University is driving the technology and evangelizing the concept under the Clean Slate Internet Design Program. The OpenFlow Consortium (www.openflowswitch.org) is defining the standard.