Pluggable SDN framework for managing heterogeneous SDN networks

Abstract

Summary Software‐defined networking (SDN) is a new network paradigm that is separating the data plane and the control plane of the network, making one or more centralized controllers to supervise the behaviour of the entire network. Different types of SDN controller software exist, and research dealing with the difficulties of consistently integrating these different controller types has mostly been declared future work. In this paper, the Domino framework is proposed, a pluggable SDN framework for managing heterogeneous SDN networks. In contrast to related work, the proposed framework allows research into SDN networks controlled by different types of SDN controllers attempting to standardize the northbound API of them. Domino implements a microservice plugin architecture where users can link different SDN networks to a processing algorithm. Such an algorithm allows for, eg, adapting the flows by building a pipeline using plugins that either invoke other SDN operations or generic data processing algorithms. The Domino framework is evaluated by implementing a proof‐of‐concept implementation, which is tested on the initial requirements. It achieves the modifiability and the interoperability with an average successful exchange ratio of 99.99%. The performance requirements are met for the frequently used commands with an average response time of 0.26 seconds, and the framework can handle at least 72 plugins simultaneously depending on the available amount of RAM. The proposed framework is evaluated by means of the implementation of a shortest path routing algorithm between heterogeneous SDN networks.

Flow-Aware Forwarding in SDN Datacenters Using a Knapsack-PSO-Based Solution

“…Therefore, due to the necessity of acquiring a global view of the network, Software Defined Networking (SDN) has emerged as a widely adopted paradigm in DCNs. Decoupling the control plane and data plane is a fundamental principle in SDN architecture design [1]- [3]. A multitude of researchers and industries intend to achieve better performance parameters through SDN's specific characteristics, such as network programmability, open interfaces, centralized administration, and abstraction, all of which, in turn, lead to agility and flexibility [4]- [7].…”

Distributed Controller Placement in Software-Defined Networks with Consistency and Interoperability Problems

“…), which is one of its downsides. In similar work, Moeyersons et al [111] proposed "Domino" a pluggable framework for managing heterogeneous SDN. Domino incorporates a microservice architecture allowing users to integrate multiple SDN controllers.…”

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

“…This forces application developers to either choose a specific controller platform, which might not meet their needs completely, or to modify their applications to work on different controllers. In this regard, the progressive integration of SDN technologies in legacy networks, hence the increasing need for common interfaces, is pushing for an advancement in the direction of standard NBIs [359], [360]. Nevertheless, despite a few scattered initiatives, vendor specific and ad-hoc NBIs are still a major barrier to the development of portable SDN applications.…”