SDN-based ECMP algorithm for data center networks

Abstract

With the limitation of port densities in the highest-end commercial switches, topologies of data center network often take the form of a multi-rooted tree with higher-speed links. In order to achieve multipath transmission, data center uses Equal Cost Multipath (ECMP) algorithm to forward flows. ECMP algorithm is lack of dynamic scheduling mechanism. In this paper, we completed a full implementation of three scheduling algorithm in the data center network of SDN architecture. One is based on OSPF algorithm. The second is based on ECMP algorithm. In the third algorithm, we optimized the ECMP algorithm through OpenFlow protocol and made it possible to dynamically adjust the flow forwarding link according to the bandwidth utilization of core links. The evaluation results demonstrate that the third scheduling algorithm can improve performance of throughput in data center networks.