Emulating Software Defined Network using Mininet-ns3-WIFI Integration for Wireless Networks

SDN enables a new networking paradigm probable to improve system efficiency where complex networks are easily managed and controlled. SDN allows network virtualization and advance programmability for customizing the behaviour of networking devices with user defined features even at run time. SDN separates network control and data planes. Intelligently controlled network management and operation, such that routing is eliminated from forwarding elements (switches) while shifting the routing logic in a centralized module named SDN Controller. Mininet is Linux based network emulator which is cost effective for implementing SDN having in built support of OpenFlow switches. This paper presents practical implementation of Mininet with ns-3 using Wi-Fi. Previous results reported in literature were limited upto 512 nodes in Mininet. Tests are conducted in Mininet by varying number of nodes in two distinct scenarios based on scalability and resource capabilities of the host system. We presented a low cost and reliable method allowing scalability with authenticity of results in real time environment. Simulation results show a marked improvement in time required for creating a topology designed for 3 nodes with powerful resources i.e. only 0.077 sec and 4.512 sec with limited resources, however with 2047 nodes required time is 1623.547 sec for powerful resources and 4615.115 sec with less capable resources respectively.

Automated summary

SDN enables a new networking paradigm that improves system efficiency and simplifies management of complex networks. Mininet, a cost-effective Linux-based network emulator, allows practical implementation of SDN and Wi-Fi support in ns-3.