Software defined networking Market Forecasts to 2030 – Global Analysis by Type (Open SDN, SDN via API, SDN via Overlay, Hybrid SDN), Component, Organization Size, Application, End User and By Geography

According to Stratistics MRC, the Global Software defined networking Market is accounted for $29.8 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach $96.8 billion by 2030 growing at a CAGR of 21.7% during the forecast period. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is a network architectural solution that separates the network control plane from the data plane, allowing for centralized management and programmability. Through software-based controllers, SDN enables administrators to dynamically create, manage, and optimize network resources by decoupling network services from hardware. This lessens reliance on proprietary hardware while improving automation, scalability, and adaptability. SDN is perfect for cloud computing, data centers, and business networks because it allows for better resource usage, traffic control, and security.

According to Statista, there were an expected 2.17 Billion 5G mobile subscriptions worldwide in 2024.

Market Dynamics:

Driver:

Growing Demand for Network Automation & Agility

The increasing need for network automation and agility is a major driver of the software-defined networking (SDN) industry. SDN lowers operating expenses and manual intervention by enabling automated administration, real-time network modifications, and centralized control. Improved scalability, flexibility, and quick rollout of new services are advantageous to businesses. This need is driving SDN use in telecom networks, cloud providers, and companies, encouraging innovation, increasing productivity, and supporting the SDN market's overall expansion.

Restraint:

Complex Implementation & Integration

Software-Defined Networking's (SDN) intricate integration and deployment impede market expansion by raising deployment costs, necessitating specialized knowledge, and creating interoperability issues. Compatibility problems with legacy infrastructure further impede adoption. Scalability is constrained by organizations' lengthy deployment schedules and security issues. Adoption is complicated by the need for significant modification to integrate SDN with current IT environments. These factors restrict the expansion of SDN.

Opportunity:

Growth of 5G & IoT Technologies

The proliferation of 5G and IoT technologies is a major driver of the software-defined networking (SDN) industry, increasing need for flexible, scalable, and automated network solutions. For managing large IoT connections and fast 5G networks, SDN makes it possible for effective traffic management, low-latency communication, and dynamic resource allocation. Network slicing is supported by its programmability, guaranteeing optimal performance for a variety of applications. The market is expanding as SDN deployment increases in tandem with the rapid adoption of 5G and IoT.

Threat:

High Initial Deployment Costs

High initial implementation costs severely impede the growth of the industry. Companies must spend a lot of money on hiring qualified staff, updating infrastructure, and integrating SDN with older systems. Small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) may be discouraged from adopting these charges, which would impede market growth. The implementation of SDN is further restricted by financial limitations in developing nations, which postpones the realization of its advantages, which include network automation, scalability, and flexibility.

Covid-19 Impact

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) as enterprises shifted to remote work and cloud-based operations. Increased demand for network agility, security, and scalability drove investments in SDN solutions. However, supply chain disruptions and budget constraints temporarily slowed market growth. Overall, the crisis highlighted SDN’s role in enabling flexible, efficient, and resilient network infrastructure for businesses and service providers.

The open SDN segment is expected to be the largest during the forecast period

The open SDN segment is expected to account for the largest market share during the forecast period, as open SDN encourages vendor-neutral solutions, which lessen reliance on expensive proprietary hardware. By facilitating a smooth interface with current infrastructure, it promotes quicker adoption. Open-source cooperation also speeds up technical development, enhancing security and scalability. This transparency draws businesses and service providers, which propels the growth of the SDN market by increasing the adaptability, efficiency, and affordability of networks.

The healthcare segment is expected to have the highest CAGR during the forecast period

Over the forecast period, the healthcare segment is predicted to witness the highest growth rate, owing to demand for secure, scalable, and efficient network management. With the rise of telemedicine, electronic health records (EHRs), and IoT-enabled medical devices, healthcare providers require agile and reliable networks. SDN enhances data flow, reduces latency, and strengthens cybersecurity, ensuring seamless healthcare operations. The push for digital transformation and cloud-based healthcare solutions further accelerates SDN adoption, making it a crucial technology for modernizing healthcare infrastructure.

Region with largest share:

During the forecast period, the North America region is expected to hold the largest market share due to increasing demand for network automation, cloud computing, and IoT integration. SDN enhances network agility, scalability, and security, making it essential for enterprises and service providers. The region's advanced IT infrastructure, strong presence of key market players, and investments in 5G technology further propel SDN adoption. This transformation reduces operational costs, improves efficiency, and accelerates digital innovation, fostering a competitive and resilient network ecosystem.

Region with highest CAGR:

Over the forecast period, the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the highest CAGR, owing to rapid growth, driven by increasing digital transformation, 5G deployment, and cloud adoption. SDN enhances network agility, scalability, and efficiency, enabling businesses to optimize operations and reduce costs. Governments and enterprises are investing in SDN to support smart cities, IoT, and AI-driven applications. This technological shift fosters innovation, improves cybersecurity, and accelerates the region’s IT infrastructure development, positioning Asia-Pacific as a global leader in next-generation networking solutions.

Key players in the market

Some of the key players profiled in the Software defined networking Market include Cisco Systems, Inc, VMware, Inc, Dell EMC, Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), Juniper Networks, Inc, Arista Networks, Inc, Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd., IBM Corporation, Ciena Corporation, Extreme Networks, Inc, Fortinet, Inc, Nokia Corporation, Palo Alto Networks, Inc, Broadcom Inc, ADARA Networks, Versa Networks, Barracuda Networks, Inc, Big Switch Networks and Pluribus Networks.

Key Developments:

In January 2025, Telefonica Tech and IBM announced a collaboration agreement to develop and deliver security solutions that address security challenges posed by future cryptographically relevant quantum computers.

In January 2025, e&s, has collaborated with IBM to deploy a pioneering, this collaboration intends to enhance e&s AI governance framework to promote compliance, oversight, and ethical practices across its growing AI ecosystem, reinforcing e&s commitment to establishing robust governance, risk management, and regulatory oversight across its AI usage.

In January 2025, IBM and L’Oreal announced a collaboration to leverage IBM's generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technology and expertise to uncover new insights in cosmetic formulation data, facilitating L'Oréal's use of sustainable raw materials, for energy and material waste reductions.

Types Covered:
• Open SDN
• SDN via API
• SDN via Overlay
• Hybrid SDN

Components Covered:
• Solution
• Services

Organization Sizes Covered:
• Small & Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
• Large Enterprises

Applications Covered:
• SD-WAN
• SD-LAN
• Security Applications
• Other Applications

End Users Covered:
• Telecommunication Service Providers
• Cloud Service Providers
• Enterprises
• Healthcare
• Retail & E-Commerce
• Manufacturing
• Government & Defense
• Education
• Other End Users

Regions Covered:
• North America
US
Canada
Mexico
• Europe
Germany
UK
Italy
France
Spain
Rest of Europe
• Asia Pacific
Japan
China
India
Australia
New Zealand
South Korea
Rest of Asia Pacific
• South America
Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Rest of South America
• Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East & Africa

What our report offers:
- Market share assessments for the regional and country-level segments
- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants
- Covers Market data for the years 2022, 2023, 2024, 2026, and 2030
- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)
- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations
- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends
- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments
- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancements