A framework for fine-grained inter-domain routing diversity via SDN

The Internet reserves numerous potential path diversity among densely connected autonomous systems (ASes). However, the Internet routing is controlled by Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), which has limitations in the path diversity expression and cooperation between ASes. The emergence of software defined networking (SDN) scheme provides flexible control over networks. In this paper, we leverage the programmability of SDN, and propose a new routing control plane, named RCS. It can support flexible inter-domain forwarding control, and enable network functions chaining along inter-domain paths. In RCS, network functions are abstracted and disseminated between SDN ASes. Customer networks can set up their desired routing paths for particular applications, such as multipath routing. RCS can be deployed incrementally to apply SDN to current inter-domain settings. In our primary analysis based on BGP data, the provision of customizable forwarding control at only a few ASes can lead to a large of potential path diversity.