Demo: Software-Defined Network Service Chaining

Abstract

Network Function Virtualization is a promising approach for network operators to allow moving network functions from hardware appliances to a pure software-based solution. In combination with software-defined networking concepts, this also allows for flexible service chaining approaches. In this paper, a proof-of-concept implementation of a recently proposed fully software-based service chaining approach with network service function isolation is presented. The prototype runs on standard hardware and includes a set of exemplary network functions to show the general feasibility of the approach. Furthermore, it shows the application of the high-level API of the system by using it to integrate an operator and a customer self-service portal. The demonstration setup comprises real mobile devices and runs on an OpenFlow testbed using state-of-the-art hardware switches.