software-defined network
nounUK /ˈsɒftweə dɪˈfaɪnd ˈnetwɜːk/
US /ˈsɔːftwer dɪˈfaɪnd ˈnetwɜːrk/
A computer network where software tells the machines how to share data.
The school's software-defined network lets the tech team change the rules from one computer.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A network architecture that separates the control plane from the data plane.
Engineers use a software-defined network to manage traffic centrally.
3. A system where network behavior is configured through software rather than hardware.
The company moved to a software-defined network to automate its setup.
4. A flexible network that can be reprogrammed without changing physical equipment.
With a software-defined network, new policies roll out in minutes.