Product Code: 60445
Software Defined Networking Market Size And Forecast
Software Defined Networking Market size was valued at USD 18.54 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 70.17 Billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 18.10% from 2026 to 2032.
- Software-defined networking (SDN) is an architectural solution that separates the control plane (which makes network decisions) from the data plane (which handles network traffic). Traditional networking has both planes tightly integrated into the hardware, making it difficult to operate and scale. SDN introduces centralized control through software controllers that dynamically regulate network behavior, resulting in a more adaptable, efficient, and programmable networking environment. This change enables increased automation and adaptability, particularly in cloud computing, data centers, and huge enterprise networks.
- SDN is expanding as more sectors use cloud-based services, 5G, and Internet of Things (IoT) technology. SDN's ability to optimize network resources in real time and expedite operations establishes it as a foundation for modern networking solutions. Its integration with AI and machine learning for predictive analysis and autonomous network management expands its capabilities. SDN is projected to stimulate the advancement of edge computing, network virtualization, and security frameworks, increasing network agility and responsiveness to changing business demands.
Global Software Defined Networking Market Dynamics
The key market dynamics that are shaping the global software defined networking market include:
Key Market Drivers:
- Surge in Mobile Data Traffic and 5G Deployment: The increase in mobile data traffic and the deployment of 5G networks are accelerating the use of Software-Defined Networking (SDN). According to Ericsson's Mobility Report, global mobile data traffic is forecast to increase by around 4.2 times, reaching 288 exabytes per month by 2027, while 5G subscribers are expected to reach 4.4 billion, accounting for nearly 48% of all mobile subscriptions. This expansion needs more flexible, scalable, and effective network management solutions, which SDN provides by providing centralized control and automation, enhancing resource allocation, and optimizing network performance to meet increased demand.
- Increasing Adoption of Internet of Things (IoT) Devices: The growing use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices is accelerating the expansion of Software-Defined Networking (SDN). The International Data Corporation (IDC) predicts that by 2025, there will be 41.6 billion linked IoT devices creating 79.4 zettabytes of data. This massive scale presents sophisticated networking challenges, such as real-time data processing and effective resource management. SDN addresses these difficulties by providing a flexible and scalable network architecture capable of dynamically adapting to the changing demands of IoT settings, allowing for better traffic management and device connectivity.
- Increasing Demand for Cloud Services and Data Center Virtualization: The increased demand for cloud services and data center virtualization is accelerating the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) market. Gartner projects that global end-user spending on public cloud services will increase by 20.7%, reaching USD 591.8 Billion in 2023, while IDC believes that by 2025, 75% of organizations would adopt as-a-service. This shift necessitates efficient and flexible network management solutions that can seamlessly integrate with cloud infrastructures, making SDN critical for optimizing resource allocation, increasing scalability, and improving overall data center performance in order to meet the growing demands of cloud computing.
Key Challenges:
- Security Concerns: The centralized structure of SDN can lead to vulnerabilities, as a single point of failure might compromise the entire network. As more enterprises embrace SDN, it is vital to have adequate security safeguards. Cyberattacks on SDN controllers can result in severe data breaches and service disruptions, making companies hesitant to fully adopt this technology.
- Workforce Skill Gaps: The transition to SDN demands a workforce with expertise in new networking paradigms such as programming and network administration. However, there is a scarcity of specialists with the appropriate skills, which may limit adoption rates. Organizations may have difficulty finding competent individuals, limiting their capacity to install and operate SDN effectively.
- Rapidly Evolving Technology: The rapid rate of technology breakthroughs in the networking space might make it difficult for enterprises to stay current with the latest developments in SDN. Continuous upgrades and advancements may raise concerns about investing in a technology that may quickly become obsolete. This ambiguity may cause hesitation among organizations considering SDN deployment.
Key Trends:
- 5G Deployment: The deployment of 5G networks is driving the demand for SDN, as 5G necessitates a more adaptable and efficient network management method. SDN enables the orchestration of network resources required for 5G, such as low latency and high bandwidth capabilities. As telecom operators invest in 5G, they increasingly rely on SDN to meet these advanced network requirements.
- Network Function Virtualization (NFV): The confluence of SDN and NFV is an important trend, as enterprises seek to virtualize network functions in order to reduce hardware dependency. This combination improves network agility while lowering operating costs, making SDN a critical enabler for NFV implementations. The demand for more virtualized solutions is driving growth in the SDN market.
- Support for Multi-Cloud Strategies: As enterprises move to multi-cloud strategies to minimize vendor lock-in and boost flexibility, the demand for unified network management grows. SDN gives the capabilities required to manage and integrate numerous cloud environments seamlessly. This growing tendency is boosting SDN adoption as businesses seek to optimize their multi-cloud infrastructures.
Global Software Defined Networking Market Regional Analysis
Here is a more detailed regional analysis of the global software defined networking market:
North America:
- North America remains a dominant force in the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) market, owing to a robust technological ecosystem, innovation-friendly policies, and early adoption of innovative networking solutions. The US digital economy accounted for 9.6% of GDP in 2022, up from 8.9% in 2020, emphasizing the importance of technologies such as SDN in driving economic growth. Significant expenditures in networking and cybersecurity research by organizations such as the National Science Foundation, which has budgeted more than USD 200 Million for SDN-related programs in fiscal year 2022, have strengthened the region's leadership in innovation and development.
- The North American Network Operators' Group (NANOG) reported in 2023 that 78% of network operators are implementing or planning to implement SDN solutions within the next two years, a 15% increase over the previous year.
- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) observed a 40% year-over-year increase in software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN) deployments, indicating a strong preference for flexible, software-driven solutions. Canada's 23% rise in investments in next-generation network technologies, including SDN, demonstrates the country's commitment to supporting new technologies such as 5G and edge computing. These characteristics contribute to North America's continuous leadership in the SDN market, ensuring long-term growth and innovation.
Asia Pacific:
- The Asia Pacific area is growing rapidly as a leader in the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) market, thanks to digital transformation, increased internet adoption, and considerable investments in next-generation network infrastructure. According to the Asia Pacific Network Information Centre (APNIC), the region's internet user base will increase by 8.9% in 2022, reaching 2.7 billion people. This boom in connectivity is driving a high demand for flexible and efficient networking solutions, with SDN at the forefront. Furthermore, China's cloud computing market is expected to reach USD 48.3 Billion in 2022, expanding 29.7% year on year, highlighting the need for agile network designs in supporting cloud ambitions.
- In India, a remarkable 45% year-on-year increase in data consumption, now topping 99 exabytes per month, demonstrates the critical need for modern networking solutions. The Indian government's goal of deploying 10 million public Wi-Fi hotspots by 2024 creates a significant potential for SDN implementation.
- Furthermore, the Asia Cloud Computing Association's 2023 Cloud Readiness Index shows that 72% of organizations in the region want to expand their investments in SDN and related technologies over the next three years, representing an 18% jump. Japan's investments in software-defined infrastructure increased by 32% in fiscal year 2022, spurred by the push for Society 5.0. As the ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025 predicts the region's digital economy to exceed $300 billion, SDN use is predicted to increase at a CAGR of 24.8% between 2023 and 2025. These developments highlight Asia Pacific's considerable potential to shape the future of SDN technologies and applications.
Global Software Defined Networking Market: Segmentation Analysis
The Global Software Defined Networking Market is Segmented on the basis of Type, Offering, Application, And Geography.
Software Defined Networking Market, By Type
- Open SDN
- SDN Via Overlay
- SDN Via API
Based on Type, the market is bifurcated into Open SDN, SDN Via Overlay, and SDN Via API.SDN Via Overlay currently is dominant due to its ability to enable seamless integration of virtual networks over existing infrastructure, making it especially appealing for organizations switching to cloud-based systems. This technique improves flexibility and scalability, resulting in widespread use across multiple sectors. The fastest-growing area is SDN Via API, which allows enterprises to modify and automate their networking systems via programmable interfaces. This capacity is in line with the growing demand for flexible and dynamic network management, particularly in contexts that require rapid response to changing business needs.
Software Defined Networking Market, By Offering
Based on Offering, the market is segmented into Software and Services. The software segment presently dominates due to its vital role in providing centralized control, automation, and orchestration of network resources. This section contains technologies that enable efficient administration of network traffic and resources, making them critical for enterprises implementing SDN. The Services category is expanding at a rapid pace, owing to rising demand for consultancy, integration, and support services as businesses migrate to SDN frameworks. As enterprises attempt to improve network performance and successfully adopt SDN technologies, the demand for professional services is constantly increasing, making this area a critical growth driver.
Software Defined Networking Market, By Application
- Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)
- IT
- Education
- Retail
- Manufacturing
- Government & Defense
- Healthcare
Based on Application, the market is segmented into BFSI, IT, Education, Retail, Manufacturing, Government & Defense, and Healthcare. The BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) market is currently dominant owing to the demand for strong, secure, and efficient networking solutions to manage large amounts of transactions and sensitive data. Financial organizations are increasingly using SDN to increase network performance and security measures. The Healthcare segment is the fastest expanding, owing to increased demand for advanced networking solutions to enable telemedicine, electronic health records, and real-time data analytics. As healthcare providers strive to improve patient care and operational efficiency, the use of SDN technology is quickly increasing in this industry.
Software Defined Networking Market, By Geography
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Rest of the World
- On the basis of Geography, the Global Software Defined Networking Market is classified into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World. North America is currently the dominant segment, owing to a strong technological infrastructure, large investments in networking advancements, and early adoption of SDN solutions across several industries. The region's strong digital economy and proactive regulatory environment encourage rapid growth in SDN implementations. The Asia Pacific segment is the fastest-growing, driven by rapid digital transformation, rising internet penetration, and significant investments in next-generation network infrastructure. As governments in this region prioritize cloud adoption and IoT integration, demand for agile and scalable networking solutions is increasing, putting Asia Pacific on track for significant development in the SDN market.
Key Players
The "Global Software Defined Networking Market" study report will provide valuable insight with an emphasis on the global market. The major players in the market are Cisco, Dell EMC, HPE, VMware, Huawei, Juniper Network, Nokia, Oracle, Citrix, and Extreme Networks. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.
Our market analysis also entails a section solely dedicated to such major players wherein our analysts provide an insight into the financial statements of all the major players, along with product benchmarking and SWOT analysis. The competitive landscape section also includes key development strategies, market share, and market ranking analysis of the above-mentioned players globally.
- Software Defined Networking Market Recent Developments
- In November 2023, VMware, Inc. announced new technologies and expanded collaborations aimed at accelerating customers' digital transformation at the edge. These innovations and additional integrations, which build on the recently announced VMware Software-Defined Edge, are designed to help customers streamline, improve security, and update their edge environments for increased efficiency.
- In February 2023, ETSI released the second version of TeraFlowSDN, an open-source cloud-native SDN orchestrator and controller developed for transport networks. TeraFlowSDN Release 2 provides additional and validated support for end-to-end transport network slicing across several network domains.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION OF GLOBAL SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORKING MARKET
- 1.1 INTRODUCTION of the Market
- 1.2 Scope of Report
- 1.3 Assumptions
2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
3 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY OF VERIFIED MARKET RESEARCH
- 3.1 Data Mining
- 3.2 Validation
- 3.3 Primary Interviews
- 3.4 List of Data Sources
4 GLOBAL SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORKING MARKET OUTLOOK
- 4.1 Overview
- 4.2 Market Dynamics
- 4.2.1 Drivers
- 4.2.2 Restraints
- 4.2.3 Opportunities
- 4.3 Porters Five Force Model
- 4.4 Value Chain Analysis
5 GLOBAL SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORKING MARKET, BY OFFERING
- 5.1 Overview
- 5.2 Software
- 5.3 Services
6 GLOBAL SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORKING MARKET, BY TYPE
- 6.1 Overview
- 6.2 Open SDN
- 6.3 SDN Via Overlay
- 6.4 SDN Via API
7 GLOBAL SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORKING MARKET, BY APPLICATION
- 7.1 Overview
- 7.2 Banking, Financial Services and Insurance (BFSI)
- 7.3 IT
- 7.4 Education
- 7.5 Retail
- 7.6 Manufacturing
- 7.7 Government & Defense
- 7.8 Healthcare
8 GLOBAL SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORKING MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY
- 8.1 Overview
- 8.2 North America
- 8.2.1 U.S.
- 8.2.2 Canada
- 8.2.3 Mexico
- 8.3 Europe
- 8.3.1 Germany
- 8.3.2 U.K.
- 8.3.3 France
- 8.3.4 Rest of Europe
- 8.4 Asia Pacific
- 8.4.1 China
- 8.4.2 Japan
- 8.4.3 India
- 8.4.4 Rest of Asia Pacific
- 8.5 Rest of the World
- 8.5.1 Latin America
- 8.5.2 Middle East and Africa
9 GLOBAL SOFTWARE-DEFINED NETWORKING MARKET COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
- 9.1 Overview
- 9.2 Company Market Ranking
- 9.3 Key Development Strategies
10 COMPANY PROFILES
- 10.1 Cisco
- 10.1.1 Overview
- 10.1.2 Financial Performance
- 10.1.3 Product Outlook
- 10.1.4 Key Developments
- 10.2 Dell EMC
- 10.2.1 Overview
- 10.2.2 Financial Performance
- 10.2.3 Product Outlook
- 10.2.4 Key Developments
- 10.3 HPE
- 10.3.1 Overview
- 10.3.2 Financial Performance
- 10.3.3 Product Outlook
- 10.3.4 Key Developments
- 10.4 VMware
- 10.4.1 Overview
- 10.4.2 Financial Performance
- 10.4.3 Product Outlook
- 10.4.4 Key Developments
- 10.5 Huawei
- 10.5.1 Overview
- 10.5.2 Financial Performance
- 10.5.3 Product Outlook
- 10.5.4 Key Developments
- 10.6 Juniper Networks
- 10.6.1 Overview
- 10.6.2 Financial Performance
- 10.6.3 Product Outlook
- 10.6.4 Key Developments
- 10.7 Nokia
- 10.7.1 Overview
- 10.7.2 Financial Performance
- 10.7.3 Product Outlook
- 10.7.4 Key Developments
- 10.8 Oracle
- 10.8.1 Overview
- 10.8.2 Financial Performance
- 10.8.3 Product Outlook
- 10.8.4 Key Developments
- 10.9 Citrix
- 10.9.1 Overview
- 10.9.2 Financial Performance
- 10.9.3 Product Outlook
- 10.9.4 Key Developments
- 10.10 Extreme Networks
- 10.10.1 Overview
- 10.10.2 Financial Performance
- 10.10.3 Product Outlook
- 10.10.4 Key Developments
11 Appendix