The RIT SDN Testbed and GENI

Software Defined Networking (SDN) is an innovative approach to network construction, configuration and monitoring. While it is relatively new (most of the ground work was completed in Stanford circa 2008) it is transforming our thinking regarding communication architectures. SDN leverages several other technologies such as virtualization and integrates virtual and traditional networks. It is critical that researchers in the communication and networking spaces understand, utilize and finally experiment with SDN based topologies, whether they be local testbeds or remote general computing facilities. RIT does not possess many non-production switches or routers capable of communicating via OpenFlow, the devices must be virtualized. As with many compute resources, the RIT systems are typically geared towards providing processing power, not experimentation with connection technologies. For this reason, and because it provides an excellent educational opportunity, a testbed would be built. This paper includes a general description of the process and milestones but that complete build is documented in . A smaller version of the testbed would be attempted by students later on. This project experimented with SDN topologies through the construction of a local testbed. The same experiments were run on the Global Environment for Network Innovation (GENI) in order to determine the practicality of the two approaches for SDN experimentation and education. Students would then be given an opportunity to try the same builds. While the experiments can be run successfully in both venues, there are definite pros and cons regarding each approach. In addition, student success is highly dependent on their previous hands on experience. This paper documents this project and it’s findings.