SDN4CoRE: A Simulation Model for Software-Defined Networking for Communication over Real-Time Ethernet

TL;DR

This paper introduces SDN4CoRE, a simulation model for programmable real-time Ethernet networks, enabling testing and validation of SDN functions in industrial and automotive environments.

Contribution

The paper presents a novel simulation environment for programmable real-time Ethernet networks supporting SDN, filling a gap in existing network simulation tools.

Findings

SDN4CoRE can simulate complex programmable real-time networks.

It enables testing and verification of SDN programming for real-time devices.

Initial results demonstrate its effectiveness in modeling real-time Ethernet environments.

Abstract

Ethernet has become the next standard for automotive and industrial automation networks. Standard extensions such as IEEE 802.1Q Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN) have been proven to meet the real-time and robustness requirements of these environments. Augmenting the TSN switching by Software-Defined Networking functions promises additional benefits: A programming option for TSN devices can add much value to the resilience, security, and adaptivity of the environment. Network simulation allows to model highly complex networks before assembly and is an essential process for the design and validation of future networks. Still, a simulation environment that supports programmable real-time networks is missing. This paper fills the gap by sharing our simulation model for Software-Defined Networking for Communication over Real-Time Ethernet (SDN4CoRE) and present initial results in modeling programmable real-time networks. In a case study, we show that SDN4CoRE can simulate complex programmable real-time networks and allows for testing and verifying the programming of real-time devices.