Bringing SDN to the mobile edge

Abstract

Nowadays, Software Defined Network (SDN) architectures and applications are revolutionizing the way wired networks are built and operate. However, little is known about the potential of this disruptive technology in wireless mobile networks. In fact, SDN is based on a centralized network control principle, while existing mobile network protocols give emphasis on the distribution of network resources and their management. Therefore, it is challenging to apply SDN ideas in the context of mobile networks. In this paper, we propose methods to overcome these challenges and make SDN more suitable for the mobile environment. Our main idea is to combine centralized SDN and distributed control in a hybrid design that takes the best of the two paradigms; (i) global network view and control programmability of SDN and (ii) robustness of distributed protocols. We discuss the pros and cons of each method and highlight them in an SDN prototype implementation built using off-the-shelf mobile devices.

Software-Defined Networking Meets Software-Defined Radio in Mobile ad hoc Networks: State of the Art and Future Directions

“…The challenges of the in-band control approach are also discussed in [40] and some potential solutions are described on a more theoretical level. Three methodologies for coping with the high volatility of MANETs are presented: (i) when connectivity to the controller is lost, some of the nodes in the SDN network can dynamically migrate to a distributed routing protocol, (ii) a cluster-based hierarchical control based approach (MANET routing intra-cluster, SDN inter-cluster routing) is applied, (iii) a proactive approach in which backup SDN-forwarding rules are stored in the forwarding tables of the switches and used when the primary route is broken is followed (based on the stateful forwarding feature available in certain SDN protocols).…”

“…The authors of [40] further elaborate on their proactive backup routes methodology in [41], providing mathematical analysis, as well as simulation and emulation results. The main concept is to proactively discover a sufficient number of backup paths to be used when the primary path breaks.…”

Hybrid SDN evolution: A comprehensive survey of the state-of-the-art

“…Poularakis et al [79] propose three methods (region-based, overlay-based and agent-based) to combine distributed and SDN control planes in mobile networks:…”

Dynamic resource provisioning for workflow scheduling under uncertainty in edge computing environment

“…12,35,36 Currently, SDN has been integrated with edge computing in many research to provide some advantages, including the utilization of decentralized resources, the reduction of time and privacy protection. 12,[37][38][39] In order to overcome the performance limitations of traditional SDN, Almohaimeed A et al proposed a new architecture for SDN-based network edge control, 12 and deployed edge controllers near network devices. 37 Integrating the centralized control programmability of SDN with the robustness of the distributed protocol, the advantages and disadvantages of each method are discussed.…”