Software-defined networking (SDN) is an architecture that abstracts different, distinguishable layers of a network to make networks agile and flexible. The goal of SDN is to improve network control by enabling enterprises and service providers to respond quickly to changing business requirements.

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In a software-defined network, a EU Networking Team can shape traffic from a centralized control console without having to touch individual switches in the network. A centralized SDN Controller directs the switches to deliver network services wherever they're needed, regardless of the specific connections between a server and devices.