The Ultimate Guide to Software-defined Networking
A curated UK edition of IndustrialDay news, analysis, interviews, reviews, job moves, and related resources for Software-defined Networking (SDN).
What to know about Software-defined Networking
Software-defined Networking (SDN) represents a transformative approach to managing and operating computer networks by decoupling the control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized and programmable network control through software applications.
Recent developments in SDN highlight its expanding role across various sectors, including education, telecommunications, enterprise, and cloud environments. Partnerships between major vendors like Cisco, Ericsson, Brocade, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise underscore the collaborative push to enhance network flexibility, automation, and security through SDN and related technologies like Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-defined Wide Area Networks (SD-WAN).
Readers exploring this section will gain insights into how SDN drives cloud migration strategies, supports mobile-first networking, and revolutionizes WAN architectures to accommodate 5G, IoT, and distributed workforces. Emphasis on integration with security frameworks and AI-driven network automation also reveals the evolving landscape of network management.
Whether you are an IT professional seeking to understand how SDN can reduce costs and increase agility, a business leader aiming to future-proof your network infrastructure, or a technology enthusiast interested in the latest innovations and market trends, this collection of stories will keep you informed about the state and direction of software-defined networking.
UK Software-defined Networking News
Regional stories with direct local relevance
Wasabi, Megaport partner on AI storage and network platform
Enterprises building AI data platforms will soon be able to pair private connectivity with object storage through a single interface.
HCLTech, Nokia launch AI rApps for 5G network automation
Operators could cut energy use and congestion as the new tools aim to automate 5G network tasks across multivendor setups.
Harmonic unveils AI fibre tools for European operators
European broadband operators are being targeted with tools meant to cut deployment costs, reduce truck rolls and simplify mixed-vendor network management.
Building stronger foundations for the future of retail
Rising costs and demand for real-time services are pushing retailers to standardise networks, as patchwork systems slow expansion and raise risk.
b<>com offers free Open XG Hub for 5G & 6G testing
b<>com launches Open XG Hub, a free 5G/6G testbed to help labs trial open RAN components, private networks and new architectures.
Expereo appoints Kevin Brown as Chief Operating Officer
Expereo names Kevin Brown COO to drive global operational integration and digital transformation across its managed network services.
Analyst Insights
Research and market analysis connected to Software-defined Networking
Application modernisation services market set to soar
IoT Analytics flags seven telecom trends at MWC 2026
Extreme says Platform ONE cuts network costs by 32%
Cato Networks' ARR surges past USD $350m amid SASE boom
NETSCOUT boosts 5G slicing visibility for operators
Expert Columns
The Death of the Firewall
Building stronger foundations for the future of retail
How Apograph uses proactive firewall upgrades to protect clients and control costs
Why businesses need wired, wireless, and power-over-ethernet (PoE) firewalls
Why the channel is key to driving a new network operating model
Navigating the fragmented future: why enterprise connectivity needs a rethink
Everyone's talking about SASE. Few understand what it really takes
Peering and SASE: How Europe is minimizing latency while maximizing security
The AI fintech advantage: From transaction to decision in milliseconds
Interviews
Interviews and video coverage from the network
Recent Software-defined Networking News
NGMN backs MRSS as baseline for 5G-to-6G migration
Operators want to avoid costly 6G roll-outs, with NGMN saying any migration path must minimise hardware changes and complexity.
Verizon backs end-to-end 5G slicing for critical users
Mission-critical users could get more reliable service as Verizon says full-network slicing beats separate physical cores for 5G traffic.
AlgoSec Horizon A33.30 boosts cloud security automation
Security teams could cut manual policy work as the update adds automation, compliance reporting and wider support across hybrid cloud tools.
Contrivian completes Big Network merger for Starlink
Enterprise and government users could gain a single managed network as the deal lets Contrivian blend Starlink, fibre and 5G across one platform.
Cloudflare uses eBPF to boost edge security & routing
The shift has helped the network operator block massive attacks in seconds while reducing reliance on custom kernel patches and specialist hardware.
CBNG opens Bangalore engineering hub for VectaStar NR
The expansion strengthens CBNG's software development capacity as demand grows for faster fixed wireless broadband updates and wider network coverage.
HPE expands GreenLake with agentic AI & private cloud
The updates aim to help enterprises control AI sprawl, cut virtualisation costs and run regulated private clouds more securely across hybrid estates.
Small Cell Forum crowns 2026 Mobile Network Awards
Public safety, enterprise mobility and neutral host deployments were among the winners as the forum highlighted live commercial use of small-cell technology.
Megaport picks VAST Data for AI infrastructure push
The deal broadens Megaport's AI push by joining network, compute and data services in one platform for customers across multiple clouds and data centres.
Megaport adds storage to its compute & network platform
Customers with data-heavy workloads can now buy compute, connectivity and storage from one provider, avoiding egress fees and internet bottlenecks.
AWS makes flat network design default for new data centres
It could cut router counts and power use as AWS rolls out a flatter design that keeps new data-centre builds simpler to wire.
Proxmox 9.2 adds dynamic load balancer & networking
Cluster operators gain automated workload balancing and broader networking controls in the latest release, reducing manual intervention during maintenance.
DE-CIX joins Mplify alliance to push NaaS standards
The move could speed automated connectivity for enterprise customers as operators seek common NaaS standards across cloud and AI networks.
Equinix expands Fabric Geo Zones across five continents
The expansion could help regulated firms keep sensitive traffic within legal boundaries during outages, failovers or congestion across clouds.
Versa adds cloud posture management to SASE platform
Security teams can now spot cloud misconfigurations and compliance gaps in real time as VersaONE adds posture management across major public clouds.
Harmonic unveils AI tools & fibre upgrades for operators
Operators could cut outages and speed upgrades as Harmonic adds AI-driven network monitoring and new fibre and DOCSIS tools.
Megaport launches built-in DDoS protection for network
Customers can block attacks without rerouting traffic, as Megaport adds in-network DDoS filtering to its internet connectivity service.
BT & STACKIT link networks for sovereign cloud access
Multinational groups in Europe will gain private links to an EU-based cloud, reducing exposure to public internet routes and sovereignty risks.
ACI joins Harmonic open cOS Amply ecosystem for DOCSIS 4.0
Broadband operators can now manage ACI amplifiers through Harmonic's software, giving DOCSIS 4.0 upgrades a lower-cost path on existing networks.
IP Fabric launches MCP server for network operations
Businesses testing AI in infrastructure management may gain tighter control over network data, compliance checks and change planning through the new server.
