Efficient topology discovery algorithm for software‐defined networks. Issue 6 (1st November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tarnaras, George; Athanasiou, Fanouria; Denazis, Spyros
• Is Part Of: IET networks. Volume 6:Issue 6(2017)
• Page Start: 157
• Page End: 161
• Publication Date: 2017-11-01
• Subjects: telecommunication network topology -- software defined networking -- computer network management -- protocols; software‐defined networks -- network architectures -- networking industry -- forwarding plane -- network management -- budget constraints -- operational constraints -- event‐based generic topology discovery algorithm -- mixing equipment -- hybrid SDN environments -- packet discovery mechanism -- address resolution protocol -- link layer discovery protocol; Computer network architectures -- Periodicals; Computer network protocols -- Periodicals; Information networks -- Periodicals; Telecommunication systems -- Periodicals; 004.605
• DOI: 10.1049/iet-net.2017.0066
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2047-4954

Abstract

Abstract : Software‐defined networking (SDN) already has an established presence in the networking industry as an emerging paradigm for designing network architectures, decoupling the control from the forwarding plane and offering a centralised way of network management. Cloud and enterprise infrastructure engineers have already adopted such techniques for building up their environments, deliberating the cost and flexibility advantages gained from this technology. However, smaller companies may choose a progressive replacement of their equipment due to operational and budget constraints. Hence, mixing equipment could lead up to hybrid SDN environments making network management even more complex. In this study, an event‐based generic topology discovery algorithm, capable of providing an efficient packet discovery mechanism using existing protocols in SDN networks, is proposed. For testing and evaluation purposes, address resolution protocol and link layer discovery protocol are being used to extract the information needed and reconstruct the topology to the controller. Implementation is accomplished using Internet Engineering Task Force's ForCES framework.