ImNet: An Imperative Network Programming Language

TL;DR

ImNet is a high-level imperative programming language designed for software-defined networks, enabling easier and more efficient management of network switches through controller programs.

Contribution

The paper introduces ImNet, a new imperative language for SDN control, along with its operational semantics and illustrative examples.

Findings

ImNet simplifies network programming with a clear, expressive syntax.

Operational semantics for ImNet are formally defined.

Examples demonstrate practical application of ImNet programs.

Abstract

One of the most recent architectures of networks is Software-Defined Networks (SDNs) using a con- troller appliance to control the set of switches on the network. The controlling process includes installing or uninstalling packet-processing rules on flow tables of switches. This paper presents a high-level imperative network programming language, called ImNet, to facilitate writing efficient, yet simple, programs executed by controller to manage switches. ImNet is simply-structured, expressive, compositional, and imperative. This paper also introduces an operational semantics to ImNet. Detailed examples of programs (with their operational semantics) constructed in ImNet are illustrated in the paper as well.