Distributed responder ARP: Using SDN to re-engineer ARP from within the network

Abstract

We present the architecture and partial proof of concept implementation of distributed responder ARP (DR-ARP), a software defined networking (SDN) enabled enhancement of the standard address resolution protocol (ARP). It is intended to improve network security and performance by exerting much greater control over how ARP traffic flows through the network as well as over what actually delivers the ARP service. Using SDN to centralize this service improves the security and performance of ARP in a way transparent to the end hosts.