Hypothesis:

The use of software defined networking in computer network administration is improving network performance, reliability, and security while reducing the time spent on network configuration and management.

Proposal Outline:

Introduction

• Briefly discuss how Software Defined networking differs from traditional network architecture
• Aspects of Network Administration that SDN is changing
• Research Hypothesis

Software Defined Networking Improving and Simplifying Network Administration (Literature Review):

• Simplifying Network Configuration
  • Fan et al, 2013
  • Xie et al, 2019
  • Su et al, 2020
• Improving Network Performance
  • Schaffhauser, 2019
  • Lin et al, 2018
  • Shah, 2018
  • Yang et al, 2019
• Better Network Security
  • Yousuf & Mir, 2020
  • Swami et al, 2019
  • Fosic & Zagar, 2021

Methodology

• 2 Equal sized groups of Network Administrators build a computer network
• Networks will be similar in number of users, WAN connections, and security needs
• Provide training for one group on Software defined Networking
• The trained group will build and configure their networks using SDN, will the other group (control) will implement a network using standard hardware configuration.
• The amount of time invested in network implementation will be tracked for each participant
• Networks will be tested for functionality, performance, security, and reliability.

Discussion

• Potential for future studies
  • Larger or smaller networks to measure time invest based on network size
  • Networks for different types of industries, varying levels of complexity
  • Networks with different security requirements
• Weakness of study/potential issues: Different skill/experience levels of Network Admins
• Strength: Networks will have same requirements
• The effects of SDN on Network Administration