Bringing SDN to the Mobile Edge

TL;DR

This paper explores integrating SDN into mobile edge networks by proposing a hybrid control approach that combines centralized and distributed paradigms, demonstrated through a prototype on mobile devices.

Contribution

It introduces a hybrid SDN control framework tailored for mobile environments, addressing the challenges of applying SDN principles to wireless networks.

Findings

Hybrid control improves network robustness and flexibility.

Prototype demonstrates feasibility on off-the-shelf mobile devices.

Combines advantages of centralized and distributed control.

Abstract

Nowadays, Software Defined Network (SDN) architectures and applications are revolutionizing the way wired networks are built and operate. However, little is known about the potential of this disruptive technology in wireless mobile networks. In fact, SDN is based on a centralized network control principle, while existing mobile network protocols give emphasis on the distribution of network resources and their management. Therefore, it is challenging to apply SDN ideas in the context of mobile networks. In this paper, we propose methods to overcome these challenges and make SDN more suitable for the mobile environment. Our main idea is to combine centralized SDN and distributed control in a hybrid design that takes the best of the two paradigms; (i) global network view and control programmability of SDN and (ii) robustness of distributed protocols. We discuss the pros and cons of each method and highlight them in an SDN prototype implementation built using off-the-shelf mobile devices.