Software-defined networking (SDN) is revolutionising how modern networks are built and operated. By decoupling the control plane (which makes decisions about where traffic goes) from the data plane (which actually moves the traffic), SDN enables more intelligent, agile, and efficient network management.

This shift from hardware-centric to software-centric networking means enterprises no longer need to rely on manual device configurations to make changes. Instead, networks can be centrally controlled through software, enabling faster provisioning, automated scaling, and better performance.

At Digital Realty, SDN is not just a concept, it’s the backbone of our ServiceFabric® platform. Through ServiceFabric®, we bring SDN to life, helping customers achieve on-demand connectivity, cloud agility, and secure infrastructure integration at global scale.

SDN at glance

SDN transforms traditional networking by offering greater flexibility and control. Instead of relying on static, hardware-defined networks, SDN introduces dynamic, centrally managed infrastructures that are easier to automate and scale.

Core elements of SDN include:

Control and data plane separation – Enables smarter traffic routing and centralised oversight.
Centralised orchestration – Automates network changes and policy enforcement.
Rapid scalability – Supports growth and dynamic provisioning without rearchitecting networks.

This architectural flexibility is foundational to ServiceFabric®, which applies SDN to eliminate complexity from enterprise connectivity. Whether connecting to clouds, SaaS providers, or private environments, ServiceFabric® allows businesses to scale intelligently, securely, and without friction.

SDN architecture: the foundation of ServiceFabric®

SDN typically operates across three layers:

Application Layer – Where enterprise applications define network requirements.
Control Layer – Managed by SDN controllers that translate app intent into configuration.
Infrastructure Layer – Physical and virtual devices that move traffic based on instructions.

ServiceFabric® embodies this SDN architecture by abstracting complexity across these layers. Its centralised controller logic works seamlessly across global data centers, orchestrating connections, routing traffic, and enforcing segmentation policies - all while giving enterprises visibility and control from a single interface.

Through its powerful APIs and integration with cloud and network providers, ServiceFabric® empowers enterprises to manage hybrid and multi-cloud environments with the same agility as hyperscalers.

The business benefits of SDN - amplified by ServiceFabric®

The advantages of SDN are well established, but ServiceFabric® goes a step further by packaging those benefits into a fully managed platform tailored for enterprise needs:

Agility – Provision cloud, SaaS, or inter-site connections in minutes via portal or API.
Efficiency – Optimise traffic flows and resource usage across distributed workloads.
Cost Savings – Reduce capex and opex with usage-based billing and fewer hardware dependencies.
Security – Enable private connectivity, enforce micro segmentation, and bypass the public Internet.

With ServiceFabric®, Digital Realty has transformed SDN from a theoretical architecture into a production-grade, globally available platform that accelerates digital transformation for customers of all sizes.

How Digital Realty delivers SDN with ServiceFabric®

At the heart of ServiceFabric® is a software-defined network fabric that connects more than 350 global third-party data centers, cloud onramps, and business ecosystems.

This makes ServiceFabric® one of the most open and interoperable SDN platforms in the market, providing:

A single port for global connectivity to clouds, partners, and private networks
On-demand provisioning of bandwidth, routing, and segmentation
Seamless integration with other global fabrics and connectivity marketplaces
Secure, scalable infrastructure that supports edge, core, and cloud-based workloads

By deploying ServiceFabric® on PlatformDIGITAL®, customers gain not only secure transport but also localised data gravity solutions—ensuring optimal application performance and regulatory compliance.

The future of networking is software-defined - and it’s already here with ServiceFabric®

SDN is the future of enterprise networking, enabling flexible, intelligent, and secure architectures that adapt to business needs in real time. As IT environments become increasingly hybrid and distributed, platforms like ServiceFabric® are essential.

By embedding SDN into a globally distributed platform, ServiceFabric® enables Digital Realty customers to achieve unparalleled connectivity, simplify operations, and future-proof their infrastructure investments.

Ready to see how SDN can benefit your business? Speak to an expert to explore how Digital Realty’s ServiceFabric® can optimise your network infrastructure.

FAQs

What is SDN?

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a modern way to manage networks by separating decision-making from data movement, making operations more efficient.

How does SDN differ from traditional networking?

Traditional networks rely on manual hardware configurations, while SDN centralises control through software, simplifying management and improving flexibility.

How is SDN used in data centres and cloud environments?

SDN streamlines data centre operations, optimises cloud networking, and strengthens security through automated management.

What is ServiceFabric®?

ServiceFabric® is Digital Realty's service orchestration platform, seamlessly interconnecting workflow participants, applications, clouds, and ecosystems and is deployed on PlatformDIGITAL®, Digital Realty's global data center platform.

How does Digital Realty’s ServiceFabric® utilise SDN?

ServiceFabric® provides on-demand software-defined connectivity, integrating with global cloud and network providers. It offers private, secure network segmentation, automation, and access to a broad partner marketplace, enabling seamless, scalable digital infrastructure solutions.

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