Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market Research Report Information By Component (Hardware Component, Services and Software), By Application (Open SDN, SDN via API, and SDN via Overlay), By Solution (Physical Network Infrastructure Solution, Network Virtualization, and Automation Solution), By End-User (Retail, I.T. & Telecommunication, Healthcare, BFSI, Industrial, and Government) And By Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, And Rest Of The World) –Market Forecast Till 2032.

Software Defined Networking Market Summary

As per Market Research Future Analysis, the Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market is poised for significant growth, projected to expand from USD 9356.46 Million in 2024 to USD 23584.42 Million by 2032, reflecting a CAGR of 10.80% during the forecast period. The market was valued at USD 8136.05 Million in 2023. Key drivers include the increasing prevalence of network automation, virtualization, and the rising demand for cloud services. However, challenges such as a lack of skilled workforce and complexities in transitioning from traditional networks may hinder growth.

Key Market Trends & Highlights

The SDN market is characterized by several key trends and highlights.

• Market size in 2024: USD 9356.46 Million.
• Projected market size by 2032: USD 23584.42 Million.
• CAGR during 2024-2032: 10.80%.
• Largest regional market share in 2024: North America.

Market Size & Forecast

2023 Market Size: USD 8136.05 Million

2024 Market Size: USD 9356.46 Million

2032 Market Size: USD 23584.42 Million

CAGR: 10.80%

Largest Regional Market Share in 2024: North America.

Major Players

Key players include Cisco Systems, IBM, Intel Corporation, Huawei Technologies, and Juniper Networks.

Figure1: Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market, 2018 - 2032 (USD Billion)

Source Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market Trends

Increasing prevalence of network automation and virtualization among consumers drives market growth

The rising adoption of consumer network automation and virtualization is a key factor accelerating the growth of market CAGR, a significant reduction in capital expenditure and operating expenditure, an increase in demand for cloud services, data center consolidation, and server virtualization, demand for enterprise mobility. Increasing to enhance productivity-based on-site services, increasing venture investments in the SDN market space, and increasing benefits offered by SDN are the major factors driving the software-defined networking (SDN) market. 

Furthermore, the growing adoption of IoT, rising demand for hybrid cloud, and growing open source SDN will create new opportunities for the Software Defined Networking (SDN) market over the forecast above. However, the lack of skilled workforce, growing complexity of SDN architecture, and growing lack of standards for comprehensive device control are the major factors restraining the market growth, while increasing difficulty in transitioning from traditional networks to SDN and growing concerns over SDN network reliability will be expected to The software-defined networking (SDN) market is further challenged during the above forecast period.

This Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market report provides details on the latest developments, trade regulations, import and export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, the impact of domestic and local market players, analyzes aspects of emerging revenue streams Opportunities, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growth, application areas and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographical expansion, technological innovations in the market. Our team will help you make informed market decisions for market growth. Thus, driving the Software Defined Networking (SDN) market revenue.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market Segment Insights

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Component Insights

Based on components, the global Software Defined Networking (SDN) market segmentation includes hardware components, services and software. The software part consists of a control plane and a management plane. The controller plane in the SDN architecture operates the forwarding plane. It consists of pluggable modules that perform various network tasks, including collecting network statistics and monitoring devices. The controller provides a centralized interface for managing the entire network. Some of the features of ye controllers are OpenFlow support, network virtualization, network functions, scalability, performance, network programmability and reliability, network security, and centralized monitoring and visualization software. Defined network controllers are considered network devices of the brain.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Application Insights

Based on application, the global Software Defined Networking (SDN) market segmentation includes Open SDN, SDN via API, and SDN via Overlay. The SDN via overlay category generated the most income. The SD Via Overlay segment will account for a larger market share during the forecast period. Overlaying a conceptually independent network or network element on top of current infrastructure is what SDN is all about. Overlays optimize network resources by dividing bandwidth into different channels and assigning each channel to a specific device or service. Overlay SDN enables enterprises to rebuild and update their physical networks as needed while maintaining the virtual infrastructure. Additionally, virtual networks allow for considerable latitude in network construction, upgrades, and deletions.

Figure 2: Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market, by Distribution channel, 2022 & 2030 (USD billion)

Source Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Solution Insights

Based on the solution, the global Software Defined Networking (SDN) market data includes Physical Network Infrastructure Solutions, Network Virtualization, and Automation Solutions. As software-defined networking spreads across industries, networks of underlying network devices and orchestrators, physical network infrastructure is expected to benefit from industry growth by managing traffic control between network devices and applications. SDN controllers are also expected to witness significant growth over the next few years due to the development of southbound and northbound interfaces and associated orchestration and management layers. Keeping in mind the rapid pace of market development, SDN implementations for security purposes may also see the light of day at a very granular level in the coming years.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) End-User Insights

Based on end-user, the global Software Defined Networking (SDN) industry includes Retail, I.T. & Telecommunication, Healthcare, BFSI, Industrial, and Government. The BFSI department relies heavily on the network infrastructure to carry out its day-to-day work. Additionally, the BFSI industry is one of the fastest-paced, fastest-growing verticals that rely heavily on software-defined networking for some of its most critical and sensitive tasks. Banking networks must rapidly scale to accommodate new secure links between banks and ATMs, regardless of location, and provide the infrastructure for interbank networks. According to Eurocommercial Bank, 5,171 banks will operate in the EU27 by July 2022.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Regional Insights

By Region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American weight loss market will dominate this market. Increasing internet penetration, a large population, and rapid technological development are expected to aid in the growth of the industry.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The U.S., Canada, German, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 3: Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market Share By Region 2022 (%)

Source Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Europe's Software Defined Networking (SDN) market accounts for the second-largest market share. Widespread awareness of software-defined-everything technologies, IoT, smart technologies, and increasing adoption of private cloud computing services attests to the market size. Further, the German Software Defined Networking (SDN) market held the largest market share, and the U.K. Software Defined Networking (SDN) market was the fastest-growing market in the European Region.

The Asia-Pacific Software Defined Networking (SDN) Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2030 as many cloud-ready industries are in the Asian subcontinent. Additionally, visibility, scalability, quality of service, and cost-effective security drive the adoption of software-defined networking. Moreover, China’s Software Defined Networking (SDN) market held the largest market share, and the Indian Software Defined Networking (SDN) market was the fastest-growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Key Market Players & Competitive Insights

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development to expand their product lines, which will help the Software Defined Networking (SDN) market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking various strategic activities to expand their global footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Software Defined Networking (SDN) industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics manufacturers use in the global Software Defined Networking (SDN) industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. The Software Defined Networking (SDN) industry has offered some of the most significant medical advantages in recent years. Major Software Defined Networking (SDN) market players, including General Mills Inc., Amway, Conagra Brands Inc., Cargill Incorporated, Abbott Laboratories, Kraft Foods Group Inc., and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Cisco Systems, Inc., commonly known as Cisco, is an American multinational digital communications technology group headquartered in San Jose, California. Cisco develops, manufactures and sells networking hardware, software, telecommunications equipment and other high-tech services and products. Cisco focuses on specific technology markets, such as the Internet of Things (IoT), domain security, video conferencing, and energy management, with leading products including Webex, OpenDNS, Jabber, Duo Security, and Jasper. 

Cisco is one of the largest technology companies in the world, ranking No. 74 on the Fortune 100, with revenues of more than $51 billion and nearly 80,000 employees. In January 2022, Cisco acquired Opsani, a privately held enterprise software startup. Through this acquisition, Cisco AppDynamics will be able to expand its engineering and product teams, improve the platform's ability to observe enterprise-grade cloud-native ecosystems, and accelerate the dissemination of performance and enhancements required by customers.

International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), nicknamed Big Blue, is an American multinational technology corporation headquartered in Armonk, New York, with operations in more than 175 countries. It focuses on computer hardware, middleware, and software and provides hosting and consulting services in areas ranging from mainframe computing to nanotechnology. IBM is the world's largest industrial research institution, with 19 research institutions in more than a dozen countries, and has held the record for the most annual U.S. patents by an enterprise for 29 consecutive years from 1993 to 2021.

Key Companies in the Software Defined Networking (SDN) market include

• Intel Corporation
• Pluribus Networks Inc. (U.S.)
• Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd.
• Cisco Systems Inc. (U.S.)
• Juniper Networks Inc. (U.S.)
• Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (U.S.)
• NEC Corporation (Japan)
• Pica8 Inc. (U.S.)
• IBM Corporation

Software Defined Networking Industry Developments

• Q2 2024: Hewlett Packard Enterprise to acquire Juniper Networks for $14 billion in AI-driven networking push Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) announced it will acquire Juniper Networks in an all-cash deal valued at $14 billion, aiming to strengthen its position in software-defined networking and AI-powered network solutions.
• Q2 2024: Arista Networks acquires VMware’s VeloCloud SD-WAN business Arista Networks announced the acquisition of VMware’s VeloCloud SD-WAN business, expanding its portfolio in software-defined networking and edge connectivity.
• Q2 2024: Juniper Networks Introduces AI-Native Networking Platform Juniper Networks launched a new AI-native networking platform designed to deliver fully automated, software-defined network operations for enterprise and cloud customers.
• Q2 2024: Cisco Launches New Software-Defined Networking Solutions for AI Workloads Cisco unveiled a suite of software-defined networking solutions optimized for AI and machine learning workloads, targeting data centers and cloud providers.
• Q2 2024: Extreme Networks Expands Universal Platform with New SDN Capabilities Extreme Networks announced enhancements to its Universal Platform, adding advanced software-defined networking features to support multi-cloud and edge deployments.
• Q3 2024: HPE completes $14bn Juniper Networks acquisition Hewlett Packard Enterprise finalized its $14 billion acquisition of Juniper Networks, integrating Juniper’s software-defined networking and AI-driven technologies into its portfolio.
• Q3 2024: Arista Networks Finalizes Acquisition of VeloCloud SD-WAN Business Arista Networks completed its acquisition of the VeloCloud SD-WAN business from VMware, strengthening its position in the software-defined networking market.
• Q3 2024: Nokia launches new SDN controller for 5G and edge networks Nokia introduced a new software-defined networking controller designed to manage 5G and edge network deployments, enabling greater automation and programmability.
• Q3 2024: Arrcus raises $65M Series D to expand software-defined networking platform Arrcus, a software-defined networking startup, secured $65 million in Series D funding to accelerate development and global expansion of its SDN platform.
• Q4 2024: Cisco acquires Isovalent to boost cloud-native SDN capabilities Cisco announced the acquisition of Isovalent, a company specializing in cloud-native software-defined networking, to enhance its offerings for enterprise and cloud customers.
• Q1 2025: VMware spins off SDN business as standalone entity VMware completed the spin-off of its software-defined networking business, establishing it as an independent company focused on SDN and cloud networking solutions.
• Q2 2025: Pluribus Networks secures $40M in Series E funding for SDN innovation Pluribus Networks raised $40 million in Series E funding to drive innovation in software-defined networking for data centers and edge environments.

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Market Segmentation

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Component Outlook

• Hardware Component
• Services
• Software

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Application Outlook

• Open SDN
• SDN via API
• SDN via Overlay

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Solution Outlook

• Physical Network Infrastructure Solution
• Network Virtualization
• Automation Solution

Software Defined Networking (SDN) End-User Outlook

• Retail
• IT & Telecommunication
• Healthcare
• BFSI
• Industrial
• Government

Software Defined Networking (SDN) Regional Outlook

• North America

  • US

  • Canada

• Europe

  • Germany

  • France

  • UK

  • Italy

  • Spain

  • Rest of Europe

• Asia-Pacific

  • China

  • Japan

  • India

  • Australia

  • South Korea

  • Australia

  • Rest of Asia-Pacific

• Rest of the World

  • Middle East

  • Africa

  • Latin America

Attribute/Metric	Details
Market Size 2023	USD 8136.05 Million
Market Size 2024	USD 9356.46 Million
Market Size 2032	USD 23584.42 Million
Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR)	10.80% (2024-2032)
Base Year	2023
Market Forecast Period	2024-2032
Historical Data	2019- 2021
Market Forecast Units	Value (USD Billion)
Report Coverage	Revenue Forecast, Market Competitive Landscape, Growth Factors, and Trends
Segments Covered	Component, Application, Solution, End-User, and Region
Geographies Covered	North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World
Countries Covered	The U.S., Canada, German, France, the U.K., Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil
Key Companies Profiled	Intel Corporation, Pluribus Networks Inc. (U.S.), Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company(U.S.), Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Cisco Systems Inc. (U.S.), Juniper Networks Inc. (U.S.), NEC Corporation (Japan), Pica8 Inc. (U.S.), and IBM Corporation
Key Market Opportunities	Growing adoption of IoT.
Key Market Dynamics	Investment of CSPs in SDN technology to automate network infrastructure. Significant reduction in CAPEX and OPEX.