Using ONOS SDN controller to control a heterogeneous data plane

SDN & NFV

Solutions design

Business background

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 softwarengineers 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.

Technology stack

Case study