The Ultimate Guide to Software-defined Networking
A curated Australian 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.
Australian Software-defined Networking News
Regional stories with direct local relevance
UTS picks Nexon for AUD $20 million network overhaul
The university's campus-wide upgrade will bring Wi-Fi 7 and AI-ready security to more than 18 months of work across every site.
Orro & Megaport launch managed global network service
Australian businesses expanding overseas can now secure private network links and compute in minutes through a single managed provider.
Vocus & Fortinet launch Secure Shield for AI oversight
It aims to curb staff data leaks into public AI tools by giving Australian employers visibility and controls over what workers share.
Ip.Glass modernises Baiada Poultry's network with Fortinet
The poultry producer can now segment systems during a cyber incident, helping cut the risk of costly outages across its supply chain.
Macquarie wins Netskope APJ managed services award
The deal underlines rising demand for bundled cloud security as Australian agencies and businesses face tighter compliance and AI-related data risks.
Good Drinks signs Macquarie network deal to cut outages
Good Drinks taps Macquarie Telecom for new SASE network to curb peak-season outages and bolster cyber security across its national operations.
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%
Zenarmor debuts distributed SASE channel partner push
Cato Networks' ARR surges past USD $350m amid SASE boom
Featured News
Expert Columns
Networks take the wheel as AI moves from hype to reality
The Death of the Firewall
How Apograph uses proactive firewall upgrades to protect clients and control costs
Why businesses need wired, wireless, and power-over-ethernet (PoE) firewalls
Beyond infrastructure: Reimagining networks to drive real business impact
SD-WAN is the SASE foundation enterprises can't ignore
Everyone's talking about SASE. Few understand what it really takes
5 lessons Australian IT leaders should take from Cisco Live Melbourne 2025
Why Australia's AI ambitions depend on smarter networks
Interviews
Interviews and video coverage from the network
AI demands network agility and better operational governance
HPE assisting IT teams navigate complex challenges
Telstra launches Adaptive Networks Centre for businesses
Exclusive: HPE Networking advances 'self-driving' networks
Exclusive: VyOS Networks on why enterprise networks need a unified OS layer
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.
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.
Spectrum wins ISO 27001 in seven months with Spotica
The certification could help Spectrum win government and enterprise contracts, after it cut the usual ISO 27001 timetable and costs sharply.
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.
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.
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.
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.
SITA launches managed airport network service with HPE
Airports could cut downtime and costs as SITA takes over network operations across terminals, hangars and airline centres using HPE technology.
Nextro wins Fortinet SASE specialisation in New Zealand
The recognition could help New Zealand businesses seeking simpler hybrid-work security, after Nextro completed several Fortinet SASE deployments.
Equinix launches Fabric Intelligence for AI networks
Businesses running AI across clouds and data centres may cut network deployment from weeks to minutes as Equinix trials a new automation layer.
