Traditional mobile network architectures are struggling to cope with the onslaught of new applications and services customers are using, according to a report from research firm Ovum. To help these struggling networks, the firm believes that software-defined networking (SDN) is the answer to enabling future networks to become significantly more flexible, scalable and intelligent. The report focuses on an ongoing transformation in network design, as the three-tier hierarchy (access, aggregation and core) of network architecture is being replaced by flatter architectures. As such, virtualized application software is replacing network gear and network infrastructure is becoming much more programmable. "SDN has already had a major impact on the communications industry by providing a focal point for a revitalized interest in networking," Ovum analyst David Krozier said. "SDN provides an opportunity to completely re-examine network architectures, introduce virtualisation and provide truly innovative solutions." Release
