Module 2
Software-Defined Data Center
Introduction to Software-Defined Data Center (SDDC)
A software-defined data center is a data center where infrastructure is
virtualized through abstraction, resource pooling, and automation
utilizing intelligent software.
The software-defined data center (SDDC) extends virtualization from
compute to storage and networking resources, providing a single
software toolset to manage those virtualized resources.
SDDC leverages software-driven tools to centrally manage these
virtualized resources and automate operations and workflows.
SDDC vs Traditional data center
SDDCs resemble traditional data centers, with some notable differences,
particularly through their use of virtualization, abstraction, resource pooling,
and automation.
A traditional data center is a facility where organizational data, applications,
networks, and infrastructure are centrally housed and accessed. It is the hub for
IT operations and physical infrastructure equipment, including servers, storage
devices, network equipment, and security devices.
In contrast, a software-defined data center is an IT-as-a-Service (ITaaS) platform
that services an organization’s software, infrastructure, or platform needs.
SDDC vs Traditional data center
Traditional data centers can be hosted:
On-premise
With a managed service provider (MSP)
In the cloud
An SDDC can also be housed on-premise, at an MSP, and in private, public, or
hosted clouds.
Like traditional data centers, SDDCs also host servers, storage devices, network
equipment, and security devices.
About SDDC
An SDDC uses a virtualized environment to deliver a programmatic approach to
the functions of a traditional data center.
Like server virtualization, SDDC abstract, pool, and virtualize all data center
services and resources in order to:
Reduce costs
Increase scalability
Improve business agility
About SDDC
SDDC can be managed from any location, using remote APIs and Web browser
interfaces.
SDDCs also make extensive use of automation capabilities to:
Reduce IT resource usage
Provide automated deployment and management for many core functions
SDDC Layered Architecture
SDDC Layered Architecture
The physical layer is the actual hardware—the computing, storage, and network
devices in the data center.
This layer focuses on the performance and functional stability of the devices,
providing a stable environment for SDDC's entire network and business
operations.
The virtual layer controls access to the underlying physical infrastructure and
abstracts resources to deliver them as services.
It's responsible for network operation monitoring and resource allocation,
simplifying virtual data center management, and improving efficiency.
SDDC Layered Architecture
The management layer standardizes management and enables orchestration
and automation capabilities, which allows SDDC to be controlled from a
centralized interface.
Components of SDDC
Components of SDDC
1. Compute Virtualization
Compute virtualization, also called server virtualization, abstracts server
resources, including their operating systems, CPUs, memory, and software, from
physical servers.
As a result, administrators can use virtualization software, called a hypervisor,
to organize and manage the computer's virtualized resources, and use virtual
machines (VMs) to handle multiple workloads simultaneously.
Components of SDDC
2. Storage Virtualization
Storage virtualization pools resources and is responsible for provisioning and
managing data storage from the pool.
With storage virtualization, organizations often do not need to purchase new
capacity and can dynamically allocate those resources to provide the required
capacity for each application as needed.
Components of SDDC
3. Network Virtualization
Network virtualization is used to provision the network infrastructures
serving virtual machines, independently of the underlying physical hardware.
Network infrastructure needs—telecommunications, firewalls, subnets,
routing, administration, DNS, etc.—are configured inside your cloud SDDC
on the vendor’s abstracted hardware.
Components of SDDC
3. Network Virtualization
The abstraction of resources decreases the provisioning time and enhances
flexibility, allows the admins to move the virtual machines across different
domains without reconfiguring the network. .
It can combine multiple physical networks to one virtual, software-based
network, or it can divide one physical network into separate, independent
virtual networks.
Components of SDDC
3. Network Virtualization
Network virtualization decouples network services from the underlying hardware and
allows virtual provisioning of an entire network.
It makes it possible to programmatically create, provision, and manage networks all in a
software
The software creates a network overlay that can run separate virtual network layers on top
of the same physical network fabric.
This approach moves networks from static, inflexible, and inefficient to dynamic, agile,
and optimized.
Components of SDDC
3. Network Virtualization
Physical network resources such as switches, routers, firewalls, load balancers, virtual
private networks (VPNs) are pooled, delivered in software, and require only Internet
protocol (IP) packet forwarding from the underlying physical network.
Network and security services are distributed to virtual layers (or hypervisors in data
centers) and attached to individual workloads
3. Network Virtualization
Components of SDDC
3. Network Virtualization Example
Virtual LAN (VLAN) - is a subsection of a local area network (LAN) created with software
that combines network devices into one group, regardless of physical location.
VLANs can improve the speed and performance of busy networks and simplify changes or
additions to the network.
• VPN, Virtual extensible local area network (VXLAN)
Components of SDDC
4. Automation, Orchestration, and Management
Automation refers to automating a single process such as deploying a virtual
server.
Orchestration refers to automated configuration, management, and coordination of
computer systems, applications, and services.
SDDCs use management and automation software to keep business critical
functions working around the clock, reducing the need for IT manpower.
Remote management and automation is delivered via a software platform
accessible from any suitable location, via APIs or Web browser access.
Benefits of SDDC
1. Improves Business Agility
SDDC eliminates physical hardware dependency and enables resource provisioning in
real-time, which can handle dynamic workloads and respond quickly to fluctuating
business demands.
2. Cost Efficiency
Traditional data centers require additional IT manpower, expensive equipment, time,
and maintenance. While software-defined data centers can avoid large capital
expenditures.
Benefits of SDDC
3. Enhanced Resource Utilization
SDDCs enable dynamic allocation and reallocation of resources based on workload
demands. It ensures optimal use of computing, storage, and networking resources,
eliminating over-provisioning and under-utilization
4. Increased Scalability
SDDC offers unlimited scalability. It allows organizations to scale up or down
functionality as needed to meet changing demand.
Benefits of SDDC
5. Improved Security
Software-defined security mechanisms offer precise control and enhanced visibility,
bolstering the data center's overall security stance.
6. Simplified Data Center Management
SDDC can be managed through a central dashboard, allowing IT users to monitor
data, update systems, and allocate additional storage resources.
Challenges of SDDC
1. Transition complexity - compatibility issues, data migration, and potential
downtime
2. Legacy System Integration
3. Security Issues – @ automation layer
4. Skill shortages
5. Implementation Costs
Applications
1. Financial Services – to quickly adapt to market changes, simplify
management processes, and improve security
2. Healthcare - supports the effective management of large volumes of patient
data, ensure compliance with healthcare regulations, and enhance data
security
3. Retail – provides the scalability needed to manage surges in online traffic
during peak shopping periods, improves inventory management and
facilitates personalized customer experience
Example: SDDC @ VMware
