[What Is] Network Orchestration

In the era of demanding AI deployments, edge computing, and complex enterprise networks, manual network management is obsolete and borderline dangerous in serious deployments.

This article explores the concept of network orchestration, its importance in the B2B landscape, and – of course – what solution PANTHEON.tech has to offer in terms of orchestrating your data centers network devices.

Definition of Network Orchestration

Network orchestration is the process of automated coordination and management of network devices, middleware, and services. While often used in parallel with the term network automation, network orchestration is a more holistic process.

Network automation is about performing a single task (such as configuring a router). Network orchestration acts as the conductor that manages the entire workflow of this entangled web of devices. The conductor ensures that devices work in harmony via policy-driven management and lifecycle management – making sure rules are adhered to and the entire lifecycle of a device is managed as well. 

Additionally, a popular way to help administrators of these networks is with intent-based networking. The entire point is, translating a high-level intent (or goal) into a working network configuration.

Network Orchestration vs. Network Automation 

In general, network orchestration focuses on the when, where and in what order, while network automation focuses on the how (of a specific task).

Without orchestration, the demand for scaling enterprise data centers and networks in general, would be significantly hindered. Dynamic, often virtualized networks need to be adjusted in an instance. Significant risks of intervening manually instead of orchestrating your network include:

• Human error in configurations (manual scripting)
• Slow deployment of changes
• Inability to manage a variety of devices (legacy vs. modern, multiple vendors)

From manual risk to open networking

These risks are amplified as the industry moves away from proprietary hardware toward open networking (or white-box devices as we love to call them). While the shift to multi-vendor systems offers greater freedom and significant cost savings, it also increases the number of moving parts in your infrastructure.

Without a centralized brain of operations to coordinate these diverse components, the administrative mess of a multi-vendor environment can quickly outweigh the benefits. To truly unlock the potential of this new era, orchestration must evolve from a luxury to a foundational requirement.

SONiC & modern network orchestration

The transition toward open networking has found its knight in shining armor in SONiC. Originally developed by Microsoft, SONiC is here for decoupling hardware from software via the Switch Abstraction Interface. 

The true power of SONiC is fully realized only when paired with a sophisticated orchestration layer – SandWork.

The combination of SONiC and SandWork creates a unique solution for enterprise data centers. 

While SONiC provides a modular, containerized foundation that allows for independent service updates and multi-vendor hardware flexibility, SandWork acts as the overarching intelligence. SandWork can orchestrate complex, multi-switch fabrics from a single pane of glass.

The future of orchestrated networks

Network orchestration is the essential layer in networks, that turns a collection of various hardware and virtual functions into a unified, responsive, service delivery platform.

By moving beyond simple task-based automation and embracing the conductor approach of orchestration, enterprises can finally find synergy between business intent and technical execution. 

Whether through the adoption of open-source powerhouses like SONiC or the implementation of comprehensive management planes like SandWork – the goal is a network that is as agile, scalable, and resilient as the modern business demands. 

Ultimately, mastering network orchestration isn’t just about managing devices. It’s about future-proofing your infrastructure for the demanding future.