Exploring Research Opportunities in Software-Defined Networking for Masters Thesis

Introduction to Software-Defined Networking (SDN)

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) has emerged as a critical technology in the evolution of telecommunications and networking infrastructure. Unlike traditional networking, SDN decouples the control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized, programmable network management and efficient network provisioning.

Trends and Evolution of SDN

SDN is not a static technology; it is continuously evolving. One of the most significant evolutions has been the expansion of its scope from 'Software Defined Networking' (SDN) to 'Software Defined Everything' (SDx). This broader term encompasses the integration of software in various aspects of networking, including network functions virtualization (NFV), network security, and data center network management.

SDN is now congruent with key objectives such as cost reduction, improved reliability, and enhanced flexibility. For instance, in the realm of Internet Service Providers (ISPs), SDN aims to make communication hubs and connectors more resilient by enabling dynamic rerouting and reduced downtime.

OpenDaylight and Future Directions in ISP Networks

The OpenDaylight Platform is one of the leading open-source SDN projects, supporting a variety of SDN controllers and networking services. When considering SDN in ISPs, one crucial aspect is understanding how SDN can be deployed in live and complex environments. This includes assessing what can be migrated to SDN, what savings are achievable, and how to enhance network resilience.

Achieving business potential in SDN often requires focusing on one of three primary objectives: faster deployment, cheaper operations, or both. Questions such as whether SDN can reduce downtime, speed up deployment, or solve problems more efficiently are essential to explore. By de-atomizing the core of ISP data networks and reassembling them with SDN, you can uncover significant improvements in network efficiency and reliability.

Researching and Selecting a Master's Thesis Topic

Embarking on a master's thesis requires a deep understanding of the field and the ability to identify a valid problem. Simply relying on crowd-sourced topics is dishonest and detrimental to your academic and professional growth. Instead, you should generate your own research questions and explore areas that interest you strongly within the SDN domain.

Intensive reading in peer-reviewed journals and relevant literature from the past two years is crucial. This process might take a minimum of a week for a master's level and a month for a doctorate level, depending on your other commitments. The goal is to narrow down your focus through thorough research and critical thinking, which distinguishes graduate study from undergraduate study. This stage will inevitably form the basis of your literature review, setting the stage for your thesis.

Recommended Reading and Resources

For a deeper understanding of SDN, you might want to review recent papers from conferences like SOSR (Software-Defined Networking Research) and HotSDN. These conferences often feature cutting-edge research and thought leadership in SDN.

Additionally, ongoing standardization efforts in organizations such as the Open Network Foundation (ONF) and the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) provide valuable insights into emerging trends and practical applications. These resources can help you identify real-world use cases, such as Tier-1 carrier scenarios, where SDN is being implemented for improved multi-layer Path Computation Element (PCE).

Conclusion

Exploring the realm of SDN for your master's thesis can be both exciting and rewarding. By focusing on current trends, existing research, and practical applications, you can identify a unique and valuable research question. Remember, the key is to engage deeply with the subject matter and to develop a thesis that not only addresses current challenges but also paves the way for future advancements in SDN technology.