OpenFlowlike

OpenFlowlike is a conceptual framework that describes software-defined networking (SDN) protocols that share similarities with OpenFlow but may not be identical to it. It acknowledges that while OpenFlow is the most prominent SDN protocol, other protocols or implementations exist that exhibit comparable characteristics. These characteristics typically include the separation of the control plane from the data plane, enabling centralized network management and programmability.

Networks employing OpenFlowlike protocols often feature a controller that dictates the forwarding behavior of network devices, such as switches. This controller communicates with the devices through a well-defined interface, specifying rules for packet forwarding. These rules, often referred to as flow entries, define actions to be taken based on packet header fields. The goal is to achieve greater network flexibility, agility, and automation compared to traditional networking approaches.

While OpenFlow itself has a specific specification, the term OpenFlowlike can encompass protocols that adopt similar architectural principles but might differ in their message formats, capabilities, or underlying communication mechanisms. This allows for variations and evolutions in SDN protocol design while still adhering to the core tenets of centralized control and programmability. The concept highlights the broader landscape of SDN protocols that build upon or are inspired by the foundational ideas introduced by OpenFlow.