SDN controller implementation using OpenDaylight: experiments

Abstract

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is ment to add flexibility to control-plan implementation choices, allowing one to choose between points on the implementation design axis: centralized to distributed, micro-flow to aggregated-flow, reactive to proactive, virtual to physical, and fully-consistent to eventually-consistent. It should be highlighted that the problem of comparing SDN controllers is an extremely challenging one, mainly because it is a multifaceted problem. Additionally, comparative analysis typically helps in 'selecting' a controller to meet a particular or a set of requirements. This paper aims to present the implementation of one open source controller – OpenDaylight – in a small environment. The experiments described can actually help the implementors to develop SDN oriented systems. Pros and cons with regards to implementation and functionalty will be highlighted.