The Ultimate Guide to Software-defined Networking

2026 · UK Edition

Also known as SDN.

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.

UK Software-defined Networking news
Analyst Insights
Cato Networks' ARR surges past USD $350m amid SASE boom
Gartner · SDN · Firewalls
Wed, 25th Feb 2026
NETSCOUT boosts 5G slicing visibility for operators
ABI Research · SDN · UC
Wed, 21st Jan 2026
Fortinet reports strong Q3 revenue growth & SASE adoption surge
Gartner · SDN · Firewalls
Fri, 7th Nov 2025
Fortinet named leader in Gartner's 2025 hybrid mesh firewall
Gartner · SDN · Firewalls
Thu, 28th Aug 2025
Netskope named leader in SASE & SSE by major industry analysts
Gartner · SDN · UC
Wed, 13th Aug 2025
Expert columns
Building stronger foundations for the future of retail
By Laurence Malthouse of Gamma Communications
Last week
How Apograph uses proactive firewall upgrades to protect clients and control costs
By Gaëlle Perrin of SonicWall
Last week
Why businesses need wired, wireless, and power-over-ethernet (PoE) firewalls
By Leelin Thye of SonicWall
Last month
Why the channel is key to driving a new network operating model
By Bruce Hockin of International for Alkira
Thu, 26th Feb 2026
Navigating the fragmented future: why enterprise connectivity needs a rethink
By Michel Muizer of Expereo
Fri, 30th Jan 2026
Everyone's talking about SASE. Few understand what it really takes
By Craig Taylor of Vectec
Fri, 21st Nov 2025
Peering and SASE: How Europe is minimizing latency while maximizing security
By Dr Christoph Dietzel of DE-CIX
Fri, 21st Nov 2025
The AI fintech advantage: From transaction to decision in milliseconds
By Julian Jacquez of BCN
Wed, 19th Nov 2025
Interviews
Exclusive: VyOS Networks on why enterprise networks need a unified OS layer
Discussing Virtualisation
Tue, 16th Dec 2025
Exclusive: VyOS Networks CRO on why networks are becoming software
Discussing Trends & Predictions
Wed, 8th Oct 2025
Recent news
Equinix launches Fabric Intelligence for AI networks
About Unified Communications
Yesterday
Equinix launches Fabric Intelligence for AI networking
About Unified Communications
3 days ago
Westcon-Comstor adds Cato to AWS Marketplace programme
About Software-as-a-Service
Last week
Harmonic unveils AI fibre tools for European operators
About Unified Communications
Last week
Aria launches Deep Networking platform with USD $125 million
About Ethernet
Last week
Leaseweb expands European cloud campus with new tools
About Storage
This month
AEM Networks rebrands amid growing AI testing demands
About Software Updates
This month
Cato lets customers buy modular SASE security tools
About Firewalls
Last month
KBRO expands Taiwan broadband with Harmonic fibre-on-demand
About Unified Communications
Last month
Tata Communications launches resilient data centre service
About Cloud Services
Last month
Vodafone Germany taps Aurora, HUBER+SUHNER for cable upgrade
About Unified Communications
Last month
Netos & Nebula launch global FinOps push for networks
About Firewalls
Last month
Tech Mahindra, Fortinet launch unified managed SASE
About Firewalls
Last month
Cisco and Nvidia unveil new secure AI edge framework
About Network Infrastructure
Last month
b<>com offers free Open XG Hub for 5G & 6G testing
About Cloud Services
Last month
Job moves
Expereo appoints Kevin Brown as Chief Operating Officer
Move at NCC Group
Last month
Forward Edge-AI appoints Alan R Seid to drive global sales
Move at Forward Edge AI
Tue, 27th Jan 2026
Expereo appoints Noel Hamill as Chief Marketing Officer to lead growth
Move at Expereo
Fri, 7th Nov 2025
MEF appoints Kelly Ahuja, Kailem Anderson & Ari Banerjee as senior executives
Move at Metro Ethernet Forum
Fri, 6th May 2022
MEF appoints Technology Advisory Board as Senior executives
Move at Metro Ethernet Forum
Fri, 6th May 2022
Cambium Networks appoints Mary Peterson as SVP & CMO
Move at Cambium Networks
Mon, 16th Dec 2019
Ex-Telstra talent to lead Superloop after CEO Bevan Slattery steps down
Move at Megaport
Mon, 26th Mar 2018
Top players
Other guides