S20: Towards Instrumented Data Centers with Software-Defined Networking
📜 Abstract
A challenge facing data centers is migrating existing physical network infrastructures to the improved capabilities of software-defined networking (SDN). Such a migration should take place with minimal disruptions, yet also quickly provide the network operator with better capabilities. SDN makes it possible to instrument data centers with new applications enabling cross-layer solutions and centralized management. This article outlines the basic ideas and approaches towards instrumented data centers using SDN to optimize applications requiring stringent quality-of-service (QoS) levels for data center networking. The proposed approach equips the data center with necessary logic for instrumentation and improvement cycle. It first introduces advantages of SDN for data centers and presents a continuous improvement cycle for advancing data center applications.
✨ Summary
This paper by Paul Geissler and Ralf Röhrig discusses the transition from traditional network infrastructures to software-defined networking (SDN) in data centers. The authors elucidate on the importance of minimizing disruptions while upgrading to SDN, highlighting its central role in enabling advanced solutions such as cross-layer integration and centralized management. The paper outlines a strategy for instrumenting data centers using SDN to enhance quality-of-service (QoS) for applications. The advantages of SDN, such as improved network monitoring and performance optimization, are emphasized, along with a continuous improvement cycle to facilitate ongoing application development.
A web search reveals that this paper has been referenced in various contexts, primarily related to the adoption of SDN in data centers and its impact on network management. For example, the paper has been cited in research focused on energy-efficient networking and SDN’s role in broader network virtualization and traffic engineering initiatives. While the paper does not have widespread mentions, its targeted contributions to SDN applications within data centers offer valuable insights into efficient network practices. Notably, further research articles and conference papers have referenced this work to build upon SDN’s potential to transform network management and instrumentation practices.