A Small Data Center Network of ARP-Path Bridges made of Openflow Switches

Abstract

This demo shows, in a small data center demo network topology the ARP Path bridges functionality and robustness over varied platforms and their interoperability. ARP-Path bridges set up on-demand shortest paths between hosts using the standard ARP Request, but flooded over all links, to find the lowest latency path to the destination host. ARP Path is loop free, uses the standard Ethernet frame and compatible with hosts and routers.Data center demo network consists of ten ARP Path bridges. Eight bridges are implemented with standard Openflow switches (four NEC PF8800/PF5240 Open flow capable switches and four Soekris boxes running Open flow Switch implementation) and the other two are implemented on OpenWRT. A previous demo showed (in remote lab) the protocol operation over four NetFPGA boards executing Openflow[7]. Demo shows network operation with standard applications like video, demonstrating the protocol robustness, zero configuration, fast network reconfiguration upon link failures and after mobility of a host.. Implementations in Linux and Openflow show inherent robustness and fast reconfiguration. Additionally, information and video of the Sigcomm 2011 demo with implementation of ARP Path protocol on a network of four NetFPGA boards (pure hardware implementation) is also posted [8].