Modern Software-Defined Networking (SDN) (Paperback)

Paperback. Software-Defined Networking has moved far beyond academic models and vendor-specific controllers. In 2026, SDN is the operational backbone of modern infrastructure, powering Kubernetes platforms, cloud-native networks, Zero-Trust security architectures, and large-scale automation workflows. Yet many books still focus on theory, outdated protocols, or abstract concepts that fail to translate into real-world operational skill.Modern Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Design, Automate, and Secure Programmable Networks for Cloud, Kubernetes, and Zero-Trust Environments is a purely practical, hands-on guide for engineers who need to build, operate, and secure modern networks using SDN principles that actually work in production.This book takes an operator-first approach. Instead of device-level configuration and static diagrams, you will learn how SDN is implemented using Linux networking, overlays, APIs, declarative policy, GitOps automation, and Zero-Trust enforcement. Every concept is reinforced through structured practice labs, troubleshooting runbooks, and a full-stack capstone project that mirrors real production workflows.You will design SDN architectures by plane, implement programmable data planes using Linux and VXLAN overlays, enforce identity-based Zero-Trust policies, automate network changes safely using Git-driven workflows, and validate behavior through observability and failure testing. The focus throughout is on deterministic outcomes, auditability, and operational discipline-not vendor lock-in or abstract theory.What You Will LearnHow modern SDN actually works in 2026-beyond OpenFlow and legacy modelsDesigning SDN architectures using control, data, policy, and observability planesBuilding SDN fabrics with Linux networking and overlay technologiesImplementing Zero-Trust networking with default-deny, identity-based policiesAutomating SDN changes using GitOps, validation pipelines, and safe rollbackMonitoring, troubleshooting, and operating SDN systems with confidenceDeploying a complete end-to-end SDN stack through a hands-on capstone projectWho This Book Is ForThis book is written for network engineers, platform engineers, DevOps practitioners, SREs, and security teams who want practical, production-ready SDN skills. It is ideal for readers working with Kubernetes, cloud platforms, on-prem environments, or hybrid infrastructures, and for those transitioning from traditional networking to programmable, policy-driven systems.Why This Book Is DifferentPurely hands-on: Every chapter includes practice labs and validation stepsModern and up-to-date: Focused on current Linux, Kubernetes, and SDN toolingVendor-neutral: Principles that apply across platforms and environmentsProduction-oriented: Emphasis on safety, observability, auditability, and rollbackEnd-to-end: A complete SDN system, not isolated examplesBy the end of this book, you will not only understand Software-Defined Networking-you will be able to design, implement, secure, automate, and operate it with confidence in real-world environments.This is not a theoretical introduction to SDN.It is a practical blueprint for building modern, programmable networks that scale safely in production. This item is printed on demand. Shipping may be from our UK warehouse or from our Australian or US warehouses, depending on stock availability.…