A virtual network (ViNe) architecture for grid computing

Abstract

This paper describes a virtual networking approach for grids called ViNe. It enables symmetric connectivity among grid resources and allows existing applications to run unmodified. Novel features of the ViNe architecture include: easy virtual networking administration; support for physical private networks and support for multiple independent virtual networks in the same infrastructure. The requirements of an application-friendly virtual network environment are presented and it is shown how the proposed solution meets them. Qualitative arguments are provided to justify all design decisions. Also presented is an experimental evaluation of the round-trip latencies and bandwidths achieved by a reference implementation. Measurements are reported for WAN-scenarios involving three different institutions. Under favorable conditions, ViNe bandwidths are within 90 to 100% of the available physical network bandwidth