Performance evaluation using multiple controllers with different flow setup modes in the software defined network architecture

Abstract

In this thesis, a scheme of using multiple controllers which handle multiple network devices has been proposed, while using OpenFlow controllers in the proactive operations paradigm, and this in order to face the problem of using a single controller in the SDN model, including the lack of reliability and scalability on such a model. The main characteristic of this new approach are focused on the ability to design a dynamic and highly programmable network, moving the intelligence from the underlying systems to the network itself through a controller. To evaluate the proper effects of this new approach, different dynamic and programmable networks that could simulate real scenarios and measure their performance contrasting the obtained results with the pragmatic theory has been implemented. The SDN (Software-Defined Network) controller (Open Daylight), has been utilized, and thoroughly examined. Different sort of nets has been worked out through diverse Open Daylight functionalities, either implementing the intelligence of the controller (bundle), or going through it by an outside intelligent application (External Orchestrator), and eventually sending it through Open Daylight (by making Open Daylight work as an interpreter/translator from its language to OpenFlow or another protocol language). Summing up, the scheme that has been proposed in this research which is the multiple-proactive mode approach and the single proactive controller has scored no packet loss at all, in which implies the strength of reliability of this scheme, while the multiple reactive mode approach has a range of 1-8% packet loss ratio and the single reactive mode approach has a range of 1-25% packet loss ratio. Also, in case of delay the improvement which was obtained from our approach scored an average reduction of 13% comparing with other tested schemes. Thus, these new and interesting technologies show an astonishing capability to add more efficiency in different types of Networks.