OpenFlow®

Overview

Communication networks have traditionally been built with dedicated devices like routers, switches and firewalls, each being designed for a specific task. The result is totally distributed network control, where decisions on data forwarding are done in the network devices based on various algorithms and protocols. Once set up and configured the network would work fine, but changing the behavior of the network can be costly and time consuming – if possible at all.

A new concept – Software-Defined Networking (SDN) – is generating huge interest because it promises to add higher flexibility and faster configuration of networks.

For SDN devices it is important that they meet the Open Networking Foundation (ONF) OpenFlow® specifications when OpenFlow® is included in the SDN solution. To ensureSDN/OpenFlow® products meet specifications ONF has defined conformance test specifications. Furthermore ONF has authorized test labs to perform the conformance testing.

In addition to conformance testing it is also important to know the performance of the SDN devices like switches to get information on how well an OpenFlow enabled switch performs OpenFlow message processing and data packet forwarding.

This White Paper describes relevant OpenFlow performance tests and explains how L2-3 test platforms ValkyrieBay and ValkyrieCompact equipped with appropriate test modules provide the features needed to quickly and cost-effectively test and verify the OpenFlow performance of switches in the SDN.

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