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Computers
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Emerging Trends and Challenges of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Technologies
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Emerging Trends and Challenges of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Technologies

A special issue of Computers (ISSN 2073-431X).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 December 2024 | Viewed by 13678

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Kannan Govindarajan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Liberal Arts, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN, USA
Interests: cloud computing; software-defined networking; serverless computing; high performance computing; big data; learning analytics

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are excited to announce a Special Issue of Computers on the topic of "Emerging Trends and Challenges of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Technologies". Software-defined networking (SDN) has been an emerging trend in the world of computer networking for some time. In simple terms, ‘SDN’ describes an approach to networking where the control plane is separated from the data plane. This separation allows for greater flexibility and scalability, as well as improved automation and programmability. Using SDN, the network administrators have the ability to manage network traffic and reconfigure network devices dynamically. The recent trends in SDN are network function virtualization (NFV) and software-defined wide-area network (SDN-WAN). The network function virtualization transforms the complex network functions embedded in the hardware into software instances running in the virtual infrastructure. SDN-WAN expands the centralized control across the wide-area network (WAN) to the cloud providers. The proper allocation of those network functions (NFs) and intelligent routing in SDN-WAN efficiently improves the quality of service (QoS).

This Special Issue aims to bring together the latest research on recent developments in SDN. We welcome novel research articles, comprehensive reviews and survey articles. Extended conference papers are also welcome, but they should contain at least 50% of new material, e.g., in the form of technical extensions, more in-depth evaluations, or additional use cases.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • SDN–IoT;
  • Security in SDN;
  • IoT cloud platform based on SDN;
  • SDN-NFV;
  • SDN-WAN.

Dr. Kannan Govindarajan
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Computers is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1800 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • software-defined networks
  • mobile networks
  • 5G, 6G
  • big data
  • mobile edge computing
  • energy efficiency
  • security and privacy
  • blockchain
  • network resources allocation
  • Internet of things
  • cloud computing
  • network function virtualization (NFV)
  • SDN-WAN

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 9168 KiB  
Article
An Integrated Software-Defined Networking–Network Function Virtualization Architecture for 5G RAN–Multi-Access Edge Computing Slice Management in the Internet of Industrial Things
by Francesco Chiti, Simone Morosi and Claudio Bartoli
Computers 2024, 13(9), 226; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13090226 - 9 Sep 2024
Viewed by 1081
Abstract
The Internet of Things (IoT), namely, the set of intelligent devices equipped with sensors and actuators and capable of connecting to the Internet, has now become an integral part of the most competitive industries, as it enables optimization of production processes and reduction [...] Read more.
The Internet of Things (IoT), namely, the set of intelligent devices equipped with sensors and actuators and capable of connecting to the Internet, has now become an integral part of the most competitive industries, as it enables optimization of production processes and reduction in operating costs and maintenance time, together with improving the quality of products and services. More specifically, the term Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) identifies the system which consists of advanced Internet-connected equipment and analytics platforms specialized for industrial activities, where IIoT devices range from small environmental sensors to complex industrial robots. This paper presents an integrated high-level SDN-NFV architecture enabling clusters of smart devices to interconnect and manage the exchange of data with distributed control processes and databases. In particular, it is focused on 5G RAN-MEC slice management in the IIoT context. The proposed system is emulated by means of two distinct real-time frameworks, demonstrating improvements in connectivity, energy efficiency, end-to-end latency and throughput. In addition, its scalability, modularity and flexibility are assessed, making this framework suitable to test advanced and more applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Challenges of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Technologies)
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26 pages, 3806 KiB  
Article
Proposed Supercluster-Based UMBBFS Routing Protocol for Emergency Message Dissemination in Edge-RSU for 5G VANET
by Maath A. Albeyar, Ikram Smaoui, Hassene Mnif and Sameer Alani
Computers 2024, 13(8), 208; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13080208 - 19 Aug 2024
Viewed by 708
Abstract
Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) can bolster road safety through the proactive dissemination of emergency messages (EMs) among vehicles, effectively reducing the occurrence of traffic-related accidents. It is difficult to transmit EMs quickly and reliably due to the high-speed mobility of VANET and [...] Read more.
Vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) can bolster road safety through the proactive dissemination of emergency messages (EMs) among vehicles, effectively reducing the occurrence of traffic-related accidents. It is difficult to transmit EMs quickly and reliably due to the high-speed mobility of VANET and the attenuation of the wireless signal. However, poor network design and high vehicle mobility are the two most difficult problems that affect VANET’s network performance. The real-time traffic situation and network dependability will also be significantly impacted by route selection and message delivery. Many of the current works have undergone studies focused on forwarder selection and message transmission to address these problems. However, these earlier approaches, while effective in forwarder selection and routing, have overlooked the critical aspects of communication overhead and excessive energy consumption, resulting in transmission delays. To address the prevailing challenges, the proposed solutions use edge computing to process and analyze data locally from surrounding cars and infrastructure. EDGE-RSUs are positioned by the side of the road. In intelligent transportation systems, this lowers latency and enhances real-time decision-making by employing proficient forwarder selection techniques and optimizing the dissemination of EMs. In the context of 5G-enabled VANET, this paper introduces a novel routing protocol, namely, the supercluster-based urban multi-hop broadcast and best forwarder selection protocol (UMB-BFS). The improved twin delay deep deterministic policy gradient (IT3DPG) method is used to select the target region for emergency message distribution after route selection. Clustering is conducted using modified density peak clustering (MDPC). Improved firefly optimization (IFO) is used for optimal path selection. In this way, all emergency messages are quickly disseminated to multiple directions and also manage the traffic in VANET. Finally, we plotted graphs for the following metrics: throughput (3.9 kbps), end-to-end delay (70), coverage (90%), packet delivery ratio (98%), packet received (12.75 k), and transmission delay (57 ms). Our approach’s performance is examined using numerical analysis, demonstrating that it performs better than the current methodologies across all measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Challenges of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Technologies)
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21 pages, 1302 KiB  
Article
Enhancing Reliability in Rural Networks Using a Software-Defined Wide Area Network
by Luca Borgianni, Davide Adami, Stefano Giordano and Michele Pagano
Computers 2024, 13(5), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13050113 - 28 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1906
Abstract
Due to limited infrastructure and remote locations, rural areas often need help providing reliable and high-quality network connectivity. We propose an innovative approach that leverages Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) architecture to enhance reliability in such challenging rural scenarios. Our study focuses on [...] Read more.
Due to limited infrastructure and remote locations, rural areas often need help providing reliable and high-quality network connectivity. We propose an innovative approach that leverages Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN) architecture to enhance reliability in such challenging rural scenarios. Our study focuses on cases in which network resources are limited to network solutions such as Long-Term Evolution (LTE) and a Low-Earth-Orbit satellite connection. The SD-WAN implementation compares three tunnel selection algorithms that leverage real-time network performance monitoring: Deterministic, Random, and Deep Q-learning. The results offer valuable insights into the practical implementation of SD-WAN for rural connectivity scenarios, showing its potential to bridge the digital divide in underserved areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Challenges of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Technologies)
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20 pages, 3329 KiB  
Article
Intelligent Traffic Engineering for 6G Heterogeneous Transport Networks
by Hibatul Azizi Hisyam Ng and Toktam Mahmoodi
Computers 2024, 13(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13030074 - 10 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1782
Abstract
Novel architectures incorporating transport networks and artificial intelligence (AI) are currently being developed for beyond 5G and 6G technologies. Given that the interfacing mobile and transport network nodes deliver high transactional packet volume in downlink and uplink streams, 6G networks envision adopting diverse [...] Read more.
Novel architectures incorporating transport networks and artificial intelligence (AI) are currently being developed for beyond 5G and 6G technologies. Given that the interfacing mobile and transport network nodes deliver high transactional packet volume in downlink and uplink streams, 6G networks envision adopting diverse transport networks, including non-terrestrial types of transport networks such as the satellite network, High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), and DOCSIS cable TV. Hence, there is a need to match the traffic to the transport network. This paper focuses on such a matching problem and defines a method that leverages machine learning and mixed-integer linear programming. Consequently, the proposed scheme in this paper is to develop a traffic steering capability based on types of transport networks, namely, optical, satellite, and DOCSIS cable. Novel findings demonstrate a more than 90% accuracy of steered traffic to respective types of transport networks for dedicated transport network resources. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Challenges of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Technologies)
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34 pages, 1269 KiB  
Article
Stochastic Modeling for Intelligent Software-Defined Vehicular Networks: A Survey
by Banoth Ravi, Blesson Varghese, Ilir Murturi, Praveen Kumar Donta, Schahram Dustdar, Chinmaya Kumar Dehury and Satish Narayana Srirama
Computers 2023, 12(8), 162; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers12080162 - 12 Aug 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2835
Abstract
Digital twins and the Internet of Things (IoT) have gained significant research attention in recent years due to their potential advantages in various domains, and vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are one such application. VANETs can provide a wide range of services for [...] Read more.
Digital twins and the Internet of Things (IoT) have gained significant research attention in recent years due to their potential advantages in various domains, and vehicular ad hoc networks (VANETs) are one such application. VANETs can provide a wide range of services for passengers and drivers, including safety, convenience, and information. The dynamic nature of these environments poses several challenges, including intermittent connectivity, quality of service (QoS), and heterogeneous applications. Combining intelligent technologies and software-defined networking (SDN) with VANETs (termed intelligent software-defined vehicular networks (iSDVNs)) meets these challenges. In this context, several types of research have been published, and we summarize their benefits and limitations. We also aim to survey stochastic modeling and performance analysis for iSDVNs and the uses of machine-learning algorithms through digital twin networks (DTNs), which are also part of iSDVNs. We first present a taxonomy of SDVN architectures based on their modes of operation. Next, we survey and classify the state-of-the-art iSDVN routing protocols, stochastic computations, and resource allocations. The evolution of SDN causes its complexity to increase, posing a significant challenge to efficient network management. Digital twins offer a promising solution to address these challenges. This paper explores the relationship between digital twins and SDN and also proposes a novel approach to improve network management in SDN environments by increasing digital twin capabilities. We analyze the pitfalls of these state-of-the-art iSDVN protocols and compare them using tables. Finally, we summarize several challenges faced by current iSDVNs and possible future directions to make iSDVNs autonomous. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Challenges of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Technologies)
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Review

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44 pages, 3458 KiB  
Review
Network Data Plane Programming Languages: A Survey
by Belén Brandino and Eduardo Grampín
Computers 2024, 13(12), 314; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13120314 - 26 Nov 2024
Viewed by 505
Abstract
Network data plane programming is a consequence of the evolution of the concept of control and data plane separation, stated two decades ago, and established on the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architecture. The concept has been evolving since its initial implementation using the OpenFlow [...] Read more.
Network data plane programming is a consequence of the evolution of the concept of control and data plane separation, stated two decades ago, and established on the Software-Defined Networking (SDN) architecture. The concept has been evolving since its initial implementation using the OpenFlow protocol, whereby an omniscient external entity, the controller, dynamically configures the forwarding of network devices, which are basically “dummies”. In this paper, we review network data plane programming languages, describing their theoretical characteristics and presenting examples and possible targets in order to compare them, in search of the best solutions to have a network of dynamically programmable devices that allow the network operator to deploy innovative use cases without depending on the manufacturer, promoting innovation. The main contribution is to gather in one place the existing languages, present them, and compare different features to help the operator and programmers. Overall, we conclude that today, the language with the most development and device targets is P4, although there are many developments based on XDP and eBPF that can be useful when implementing a programmable network solution. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Challenges of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Technologies)
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27 pages, 3424 KiB  
Review
A Qualitative and Comparative Performance Assessment of Logically Centralized SDN Controllers via Mininet Emulator
by Mohammad Nowsin Amin Sheikh, I-Shyan Hwang, Muhammad Saibtain Raza and Mohammad Syuhaimi Ab-Rahman
Computers 2024, 13(4), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/computers13040085 - 25 Mar 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2229
Abstract
An alternative networking approach called Software Defined Networking (SDN) enables dynamic, programmatically efficient network construction, hence enhancing network performance. It splits a traditional network into a centralized control plane and a configurable data plane. Because the core component overseeing every data plane action [...] Read more.
An alternative networking approach called Software Defined Networking (SDN) enables dynamic, programmatically efficient network construction, hence enhancing network performance. It splits a traditional network into a centralized control plane and a configurable data plane. Because the core component overseeing every data plane action is the controller in the control plane, which may contain one or more controllers and is thought of as the brains of the SDN network, controller functionality and performance are crucial to achieve optimal performances. There is much controller research available in the existing literature. Nevertheless, no qualitative comparison study of OpenFlow-enabled distributed but logically centralized controllers exists. This paper includes a quantitative investigation of the performance of several distributed but logically centralized SDN controllers in custom network scenarios using Mininet, as well as a thorough qualitative comparison of them. More precisely, we give a qualitative evaluation of their attributes and classify and categorize 13 distributed but logically centralized SDN controllers according to their capabilities. Additionally, we offer a comprehensive SDN emulation tool, called Mininet-based SDN controller performance assessment, in this study. Using six performance metrics—bandwidth, round-trip time, delay, jitter, packet loss, and throughput—this work also assesses five distributed but logically centralized controllers within two custom network scenarios (uniform and non-uniform host distribution). Our analysis reveals that the Ryu controller outperforms the OpenDayLight controller in terms of latency, packet loss, and round-trip time, while the OpenDayLight controller performs well in terms of throughput, bandwidth, and jitter. Throughout the entire experiment, the HyperFlow and ONOS controllers performed worst in all performance metrics. Finally, we discuss detailed research findings on performance. These experimental results provide decision-making guidelines when selecting a controller. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Trends and Challenges of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) Technologies)
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