Comparative Analysis of SDN Controllers: A Study on Installation, Protocols Interaction, Network Topologies Monitoring, and GUI Experience
Daniel Alberto Priano, María Claudia Abeledo, Javier Guevara, Matías Marsicano, Fabio Sergio Bruschetti, Iara Giniger · Review of Computer Engineering Studies · 2023
This paper analyses four SDN controllers that support this architecture not only from a technical point of view but also from an academic point of view by including it in the university curriculum.The integration of network controller analysis into an academic curriculum can provide a comprehensive training in theoretical and practical aspects related to network management and SDN technologies.The controllers analyzed were FloodLight, HP SDN VAN Controller, ONOS (Open Network Operating System) and AGILE SDN.Their comparison was based on criteria such as ease of installation, interaction with other communication protocols, ability to monitor network topologies and experience in using their graphical user interfaces.ONOS was found to be the most secure, reliable, robust and scalable controller.Notwithstanding the above, it is important to note that the network technology landscape is constantly evolving, so it is essential to keep updating drivers and comparing features, performance, etc. on these platforms before making a decision.The following are the factors that make ONOS the best choice: 1. Flexibility and customization: ONOS is known for being highly flexible and customizable.This means that you can adapt and customize its functionality to meet the specific needs of your network.Extensions and custom applications can be implemented more easily in ONOS than in some other controllers.2. Scalability: ONOS is designed to be scalable and can handle large networks with a large number of devices and flows.This makes it suitable for applications in service provider and enterprise network environments.3. multitechnology support: ONOS is known for its ability to manage a variety of network technologies, including OpenFlow and others.This makes it versatile in terms of support for different network equipment and technologies.4.Active community and continuous development: ONOS has an active community of developers and continuous development.This means that updates and new features are more likely to be found on a regular basis.Among the criteria used, ease of installation was chosen, allowing the controller to be deployed quickly and efficiently, which is beneficial in terms of time and cost.On the other hand, the ability to monitor network topologies provides visibility and control, which is essential for network performance, efficiency and security.