B2-C2: Blockchain-based Flow Control Consistency for Multi-Controller SDN Architecture
Lalith Medury, Farah I. Kandah · 2024
Software-defined networking (SDN) is transforming network management, yet it grapples with performance bottlenecks in large-scale deployments. Multi-controller solutions have been proposed to address this issue. However, they introduce the challenge of maintaining consistent controller states across the network. Past efforts to employ blockchain for controller state consistency were hindered by latency issues due to custom consensus algorithms. This research introduces B2-C2, an integration of blockchain and digital signatures into SDN infrastructure to ensure flow control consistency within multi-controller SDN environment. In contrast to previous approaches, our framework enhances security by protecting SDN infrastructure against compromised controllers and switches, simultaneously holding controllers accountable for maintaining network state consistency. In practical tests simulating controller downtime, we achieved rapid replacement of an unresponsive controller in just 1.5 seconds. B2-C2 represents a significant advancement in enhancing the reliability and efficiency of multi-controller SDN architectures, promising a robust solution to network management challenges and ensuring secure control in modern IT environments. B2-C2 stands poised to address the evolving needs of multi-controller SDN, making networks more resilient and adaptable.