AutoSlice: automated and scalable slicing for software-defined networks

Abstract

We present AutoSlice, a virtualization layer that automates the deployment and operation of software-defined network (SDN) slices on top of shared network infrastructures. AutoSlice enables substrate providers to resell their SDN to multiple tenants while minimizing operator intervention. At the same time, tenants are given the means to lease programmable network slices enabling the deployment of arbitrary services based on SDN principles. We outline the control plane architecture of AutoSlice and discuss the most challenging aspects of the forwarding plane design with emphasis on scalability.