Progress and challenges in large-scale future internet experimentation using the GpENI programmable testbed

Abstract

GpENI is evolving to provide a promising environment in which to do experimental research in the resilience and survivability of future networks, by allowing programmable control over topology and mechanism, while providing the scale and global reach needed to conduct network experiments far beyond the capabilities of a conventional testbed. Addressing this need at scale introduces a number of challenges both in deployment and in collecting results that can be directly compared to simulation results for cross-verification purposes. In this short paper we present the scope, design goals, challenges, and current status of the GpENI programmable testbed, as well as an overview and examples of the types of experiments we are beginning to run.