VNMC for network virtualization in OpenFlow network

Abstract

Network virtualization provides an efficient way to share physical network infrastructure so that multiple virtual slices can run concurrently. OpenFlow is a promising and successful future networking technology which enables network innovation efficiently. However, the existing network virtualization methods in OpenFlow network usually have limitations such as introducing a proxy, flow entry conflicts, lacking of extensibility. In this paper, we present VNMC, a Virtual Network Management Component for rapidly creating, configuring and managing virtual networks in OpenFlow network. It has the following features: VNMC is implemented in a single controller without a middle layer. VNMC provides bandwidth guarantee, topology isolation, flow isolation and control isolation. It resolves flow entry conflicts from different controllers using the multiple flow tables mechanism defined in the latest OpenFlow standard. It manages the virtual networks in a modular way, which brings great extensibility to add new functionalities to virtual networks.