Modeling and Assessment Performance of OpenFlow-Based Network Control Plane

The subject of the paper is the features of network architecture that built on the concept of Software-Defined Networking (SDN). The main communicating processes of OpenFlow protocol are determined. OpenFlow is one of the most commonly used protocols for communication between controller and forwarding element (OpenFlow switch) in SDN. Efficiency characteristics of an OpenFlow-based network are also identified. Mathematical tools and analytical model for analysis and evaluation such characteristic as performance and reliability of OpenFlow-based network are also suggested in the paper. The proposed model is based on querying theory (M/M/1 queues considered) and distribution information models. The evaluation performance and reliability of network is analyzed due to capture the interaction between the OpenFlow switch and controller. The average packet executed time, sojourn time, waiting probability metrics of control plane are suggested for evaluation.