Factors influencing the adoption of Software Defined Networking by Research and Educational Networks

Software Defined Networking (SDN) can deliver many benefits to Research and Educational Networks (RENs) and the educational institutions they serve. However, there is limited adoption by the RENs. This paper presents a theoretical model for investigating the SDN adoption by RENs based on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DOI) and emphasizes the Technology, Organization, and Environment (TOE) framework. Both theories are widely used in Information Systems adoption research studies at a firm level. The construct components of the study derived from prior literature are 1) Environment (technology support, regulation policies), 2) SDN Technology (advantages, compatibility, complexity, testability, security, observability), 3) Organization (REN size, REN global scope, network user profile), and 4) Human Factor (opinionated leaders, team skills). The model can be used for creating a survey instrument for further researching the adoption process of the SDN paradigm among public and private organizations