SDN and NFV simplified: a visual guide to understanding software defined networks and network function virtualization

摘要

Software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) are now popular buzzwords. On one hand, this fact is related to the prevailing usage of these two groups of concepts in practical applications of modern distributed systems. On the other hand, SDN and NFV are still perceived by researchers as very promising topics. Therefore, a book introducing these topics appeared to me as interesting and promising. However, Doherty's book is atypical in comparison to what is reviewed in Computing Reviews: it presents very basic ideas and is generally not aimed at professionals. While the most important aspects of the covered topics are given (the basics of virtualization, how it works in data centers, the kinds of network functions that can be virtualized and in what way, the concept of SDN and the supporting mechanisms), this is done (on purpose) at a very simple level, presenting a convincing rationale and how the concepts work in general. Nevertheless, despite my initial skeptical attitude toward such a book, I find this position extremely useful for a very broad group of readers: not only laymen in computer technology (to whom the book is addressed) will benefit, but experts (mainly teachers) will as well.