The present invention relates to a network structure for effectively applying a software-defined networking (SDN) technology to an LTE network and an operation of a system on the basis of the same. The present invention therefore provides a method for controlling communication by an SDN controller in an SDN-based wireless communication network, the method comprising the steps of: receiving information on a UE from a gateway controller as the UE initially accesses an eNB; selecting at least one Openflow switch (OFS) for processing traffic of the UE on the basis of the information; and transmitting a request for setting a packet forwarding rule for processing the traffic of the UE to the at least one OFS.