Using ONOS SDN controller to control a heterogeneous data plane
SDN & NFV
DC
Hardware integration
Solutions design
Client type
A data center provider
Business goal
Improve the client’s intra DC network by introducing new hardware and software data plane components; implement a control plane (using the ONOS platform) to coordinate traffic control across the entire network environment
Our approach
Provide a team of network, QA and software engineers with expertise in SDN, testing and software development
Analyze the client’s requirements
Design the solution’s architecture: how the entire dataplane has to be set up and how to control it effectively
Implement the solution
Test the solution
Deploy the solution in the client’s production environment
Business benefits
Saved costs: there was no need to replace the legacy network infrastructure, as it was integrated with the new SDN solution.
Operational simplicity: the traffic forwarding across a heterogeneous data plane existing in the client's environment could be controlled by a single SDN control plane (a custom ONOS implementation).
Reduced risks: a well-suited delivery process allowed for efficient interactions with the client, incremental delivery, and efficient testing.
Technical highlights
Identified the NBI (northbound interface) protocols supported by:
existing leaf-spine fabric devices
new hardware and software components to be added to the intra DC network topology
Verified protocols and adapters available in the ONOS out-of-the-box and identified the gaps.
Implemented the missing adapters.
Analysed the traffic patterns in the client's intra DC network.
Designed all the traffic-related forwarding schemes and the relevant SDN control logic.
Enhanced ONOS with:
custom traffic forwarding-related apps
custom webUI components
Defined the test suite and actively supported the client during the test campaign.