Programmable Networks

A number of important innovations are creating a paradigm shift in networking leading to higher levels of network programmability. These innovations include the separation between transmission hardware and control software, availability of open programmable network interfaces and the accelerated virtualization of networking infrastructure. The ability to rapidly create, deploy and manage new network services in response to user demands is a key factor driving the programmable networking research community. The goal of programmable networking is to simplify the deployment of network services, leading to networks that explicitly support the process of service creation and deployment. This chapter examines the state-of-the-art in programmable networks.