Experience with 3 SDN Controllers in an Enterprise Setting

Abstract

Interest in OpenFlow and software-defined network (SDNs) has resulted in a boom in SDN hardware and controller offerings, with varying degrees of maturity, popularity and support. However, few studies have been conducted to investigate the interaction between SDN hardware and software, as well as its impact on controller design and implementation. In this paper, we chronicle our experience with deploying two commodity SDN controllers and a new system, IronStack, of our own design in a production enterprise network at Cornell University, and describe the lessons learnt. We also report on several practical limitations of SDN and controller technology, and detail important future challenges for SDN adopters and developers.