DEMO: MiddleNet: A High-Performance, Lightweight, Unified NFV & Middlebox Framework

Abstract

Softwarized network resident functions have been extensively used to replace purpose-built appliances. However, there is a lack of alternatives for richer network resident functionality with a seamless combination of L2/L3 Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and L4/L7 middleboxes.We propose MiddleNet, a unified L2/L3 NFV and L4/L7 middlebox framework. MiddleNet uses DPDK in L2/L3 NFV to achieve high-performance, zero-copy packet delivery. MiddleNet exploits the event-driven capabilities of extended Berkeley Packet Filter (eBPF) to build up lightweight L4/L7 middleboxes with load-proportional overheads. MiddleNet constructs complex L2/L3 NF and L4/L7 middlebox function chains with low overhead using shared memory communication. With the integration of Single Root I/O Virtualization (SR-IOV), MiddleNet supports dynamically selecting packet processing layers (L2 to L7) based on the flow. In this demo, we show MiddleNet’s operation.