NEHRU INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

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An ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015 Certified Institution, Approved by AICTE, New Delhi,
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Nehru Gardens, Thirumalayampalayam, Coimbatore – 641 105
DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE

CCS365 - SOFTWARE DEFINED NETWORKS

UNIT - IV NETWORK FUNCTION VIRTUALIZATION

Network Virtualization

Network virtualization refers to the process of abstracting networking

resources from their physical hardware infrastructure to create a virtualized
network. In a virtualized network environment, software-based network
components simulate the functions of traditional networking hardware, such
as switches, routers, firewalls, and load balancers.

Here are some key aspects and benefits of network virtualization:

1. Resource Optimization: Network virtualization allows for more efficient

utilization of network resources by creating multiple virtual networks on a
single physical network infrastructure. This helps in maximizing resource
utilization and reducing costs.

2. Isolation: Virtual networks are isolated from each other, providing security
and privacy benefits. This isolation ensures that traffic from one virtual
network does not interfere with or access resources of another virtual
network.

3. Flexibility and Scalability: Virtual networks can be easily provisioned,

modified, and scaled as needed without requiring changes to the underlying
physical network infrastructure. This flexibility enables businesses to adapt
quickly to changing demands and requirements.

4. Improved Network Management: Network virtualization simplifies

network management tasks by centralizing control and configuration through

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AUTONOMOUS
An ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015 Certified Institution, Approved by AICTE, New Delhi,
Recognized by UGC with 2(f) & 12(B)Re-accredited by NAAC “A+”, NBA Accredited (UG Courses: AERO & CSE)
Nehru Gardens, Thirumalayampalayam, Coimbatore – 641 105
DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE

software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization

(NFV) technologies. Administrators can manage virtual networks
programmatically, allowing for automation and efficient resource allocation.

5. Disaster Recovery and Redundancy: Virtual networks can be replicated

and migrated across physical infrastructure, providing redundancy and
enabling efficient disaster recovery strategies. In the event of hardware
failure or network disruptions, virtual networks can be quickly restored or
moved to alternative infrastructure.

6. Enhanced Testing and Development: Virtual networks provide a sandbox

environment for testing and developing new network configurations,
applications, and services without impacting the production network. This
facilitates innovation and experimentation while minimizing risks.

Virtual LANs

Virtual LANs (VLANs) are a fundamental concept in network virtualization

that enable the segmentation of a physical network into multiple logical
networks. VLANs allow network administrators to group devices together
logically, regardless of their physical location, to facilitate better traffic
management, security, and resource optimization.

Here's how VLANs work and some of their key features:

1. Logical Segmentation: VLANs divide a single physical network into

multiple logical networks, known as broadcast domains. Devices within the
same VLAN can communicate with each other as if they were connected to

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AUTONOMOUS
An ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015 Certified Institution, Approved by AICTE, New Delhi,
Recognized by UGC with 2(f) & 12(B)Re-accredited by NAAC “A+”, NBA Accredited (UG Courses: AERO & CSE)
Nehru Gardens, Thirumalayampalayam, Coimbatore – 641 105
DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE

the same physical network, even if they are located in different physical
locations.

2. Broadcast Control: Broadcast traffic within a VLAN is contained within

that VLAN, reducing the amount of broadcast traffic on the overall network.
This helps to improve network performance and scalability by limiting the
scope of broadcast storms and unnecessary traffic.

3. Security: VLANs enhance network security by isolating traffic between

different VLANs. Access control lists (ACLs) and other security measures
can be implemented to control communication between VLANs, providing a
level of segmentation and security within the network.

4. Performance Optimization: VLANs enable network administrators to

prioritize traffic based on VLAN membership, allowing critical applications
to be given higher priority and ensuring optimal performance for specific
types of traffic.

5. Flexibility: VLANs provide flexibility in network design and

management. They can be easily configured, modified, and extended to
accommodate changes in network requirements without the need to
physically reconfigure the network infrastructure.

6. Scalability: VLANs allow for the logical grouping of devices, which

facilitates scalability as the network grows. New VLANs can be added to
accommodate additional devices or network segments without the need for
significant changes to the underlying network architecture.

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AUTONOMOUS
An ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015 Certified Institution, Approved by AICTE, New Delhi,
Recognized by UGC with 2(f) & 12(B)Re-accredited by NAAC “A+”, NBA Accredited (UG Courses: AERO & CSE)
Nehru Gardens, Thirumalayampalayam, Coimbatore – 641 105
DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE

VLANs are commonly implemented in enterprise networks, data centers, and

service provider networks to improve network efficiency, security, and
manageability. They are typically configured and managed using network
switches and routers that support VLAN functionality, and they are a
fundamental building block of network virtualization and segmentation
strategies.
OpenFlow is a protocol that enables the programmability and centralized
control of network devices such as switches and routers. While OpenFlow
itself does not inherently support VLANs, it can be used in conjunction with
VLAN technology to provide enhanced network control and management
capabilities.

Here's how OpenFlow can be utilized to support VLANs:

1. Flow Table Entries: OpenFlow switches maintain flow table entries that
define how incoming packets are processed. These flow table entries can
include fields related to VLAN tags, such as VLAN ID (VID), priority, and
VLAN header manipulation actions.

2. VLAN Tagging and Stripping: OpenFlow controllers can instruct

OpenFlow switches to add or remove VLAN tags from packets as they
traverse the network. This allows for the implementation of VLAN tagging
and stripping functionality, enabling VLAN-aware networking in
OpenFlow-controlled environments.

3. OpenFlow controllers can program switches to make forwarding decisions

based on VLAN tags. For example, they can specify forwardVLAN-based
Forwarding Decisions:ing rules that direct packets belonging to different
VLANs to different ports or next-hop devices.

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AUTONOMOUS
An ISO 9001:2015 & 14001:2015 Certified Institution, Approved by AICTE, New Delhi,
Recognized by UGC with 2(f) & 12(B)Re-accredited by NAAC “A+”, NBA Accredited (UG Courses: AERO & CSE)
Nehru Gardens, Thirumalayampalayam, Coimbatore – 641 105
DEPARTMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND DATA SCIENCE

4. QoS and Traffic Engineering: OpenFlow controllers can apply Quality of

Service (QoS) policies and traffic engineering techniques based on VLAN
membership. This enables the prioritization and optimization of traffic flows
within specific VLANs to meet performance requirements.

5. Virtualized Network Functions: OpenFlow can be used to deploy

virtualized network functions (VNFs) that operate at the VLAN level. For
example, firewalls, load balancers, and intrusion detection systems can be
deployed as VNFs to provide security and traffic management services within
specific VLANs.

6. Dynamic VLAN Configuration: OpenFlow controllers can dynamically

configure VLANs and associated network policies based on changing
network conditions or application requirements. This dynamic VLAN
configuration capability enhances network flexibility and adaptability.