Design and Implementation of a Proposed SDN-VXLAN Architecture for Enterprise Network

Abstract

Efficient and scalable network architectures are essential for enterprise environments that demand reliable and high-performance connectivity. Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) technology enables the encapsulation of Layer 2 traffic over Layer 3 infrastructures, while Software-Defined Networking (SDN) introduces centralized control and programmability by decoupling the control and data planes. This study presents the design and implementation of an enterprise network architecture that integrates SDN and VXLAN technologies to enhance scalability, performance, and security. The PPDIOO lifecycle methodology was adopted as a structured framework for design, deployment, and optimization. The proposed architecture was implemented and validated in a GNS3 emulated environment using OpenDaylight as the SDN controller and Open vSwitch (OVS) as the virtual switching layer. Functional testing, including connectivity verification and packet flow analysis, confirmed correct operation of VXLAN tunneling under SDN control, demonstrating the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed model. The results highlight that the integration of SDN and VXLAN provides a flexible, programmable, and secure foundation for next-generation enterprise network infrastructures.