Help: Hypothetical SDN Network Solution

Hi,

So I this year I am studying a BTech in Communication Networks which basically is a Bachelors with a heavy CISCO network influence. One of my modules is a project/mini treatise. I decided to explore a solution that makes use of SDN (yes I understand SDN is quite an umbrella term but that allows free reign in my case).

One of the chapters is the proposed solution for a section of the network.

My questions are:

• What tools can I use to design a proof of concept network? I was thinking that if I used something like GNS3 and configured a network using it then I can just play it off as the virtualized part of the network?
• Does anyone have any material on SDN that could pose useful? I've read so many journals at this point I feel like my eyes want to pop out.
• Where can I find some kind of catalog of SDN based devices, like the controllers and the bare bone packet forwarding devices? Reason being is that I need a cost sheet.
• I have skimmed over CISCO DNA (CISCO's proprietary solution I believe). Should I look more into DNA or stick to the more open source 'Applications'?

Any information would be awesome!