Multi-objective embedding of software-defined virtual networks

Softwarization is the current trend of networking based on the success of technologies like Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Virtualization. Network as a Service (NaaS) is a new paradigm based on virtualization that enables customers to instantiate their virtual networks over a physical substrate network, mapping necessary resources by a Virtual Network Embedding (VNE) algorithm. Each VNE algorithm defines a resource allocation strategy of the NaaS provider, and determines its expenditures and revenues. Even though the problem of VNE has been widely investigated in recent years, virtualization in SDN introduces new challenges due to the new role of the controller and additional architectural constraints. In this paper, we investigate the VNE problem where both virtual and substrate networks are software defined. We propose a mathematical programming formulation that considers both the objectives of the NaaS provider (profit maximization) and the customers (switch-controller delay minimization). Proposing new design metrics (i.e., k-hop delay, correlation, and distance), we develop a heuristic algorithm, and prove its effectiveness through extensive simulations in the well-known VNE evaluation tool, ALEVIN, and comparisons with other algorithms and mathematical bounds.