An efficient flow table replacement algorithm for SDNs with heterogeneous switches

Abstract

The increase in services that utilize ultra-high-speed networks have caused an increase in network traffic problems. Existing networks require new technologies because the management of these networks is difficult and the traffic problems cannot be easily solved. These challenges have prompted the development of software-defined networks (SDNs). SDNs divide existing network structures into data planes, which manage data transmission, and control planes, which manage network controls. These planes enable easy, flexible network management or expansion through centralized structures. Specifically, SDNs efficiently control networks by monitoring network traffic or utilizing the state information of the connected switches. However, due to the characteristics of SDNs that centralize network management, specifically switch performance, controller overhead may increase, which may lead to problems throughout the entire network. This paper discusses these problems and proposes an algorithm that promotes efficient network management when the flows are replaced at the flow tables.