dVirt: A virtualized infrastructure for experimenting BGP routing

Abstract

In this paper we propose dVirt, a distributed virtualized infrastructure enabling network operators to better grasp the routing mechanisms and anticipate network behavior. dVirt offers an emulated layer 2 connectivity that allows accurate simulation of IP routing and protocol dynamics. Using virtualization and Quagga routing software, we achieve scalable simulations while keeping a realistic model of the routing layer. To illustrate the benefits of simulating networks with dVirt, we study a well-known simple Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) topology subject to routing oscillations. dVirt allows for quick deployment of this topology and easy monitoring of BGP message exchanges.