Supporting Multi-Interface Entities In Software-Defined Wireless Networks

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) has gained growing momentum from its earlier application for wired networks (e.g., data center networks) to its application for wireless and mobile networks. In addition, state-of-the-art wireless and mobile networks (cellular networks and mesh networks) have been enhanced through the integration of multiple radio access technologies or multiple interfaces. This paper considers how to evolve multi-interface wireless mobile networks according to a future SDN-based paradigm, and deals with the technical problems therein. It presents the design and implementation of mechanisms that support SDN-based control of two types of multi-interface wireless mobile networks: one with multi-interface user devices and the other with multi-interface switching entities. As a methodology of demonstrating the feasibility of the proposed solution, a novel testing suite incorporating a real SDN controller and a standardized network simulator is designed and built. The functional verification and performance of the proposed solution is demonstrated in a virtual network topology but with the orchestration of the real SDN controller. The results show the multi-interface wireless entities can exploit the multi-radio and multi-channel wireless resources with the help of SDN approach.