Software$-$Defined Networking $($SDN$)$ has emerged as a revolutionary paradigm in network

architecture, offering dynamic and programmable control over network infrastructure. Unlike

traditional network architectures, SDN decouples the control plane from the data plane, enabling

centralised management and automation of network resources.

Based on contemporary research, discuss the key principles, benefits, and challenges of SoftwareDefined Networking $($SDN$).$ Analyse the impact of SDN on network performance, security, and

overall infrastructure.