Scalability analysis of a Media Aware Network Element

An architecture based on new concepts of Content Aware Networking (CAN) and Network Aware Applications (NAA) is proposed in FP7 ALICANTE research project as a better support for multimedia flows across the internet. A virtual CAN is a multi-domain overlay network based on light virtualization, provisioned to enable customized treatment of data flows and especially media streams. While it uses legacy QoS technologies, such as core IP/MPLS/Diffserv in the core routers, it proposes a new edge router, called MANE (Media Aware Network Element), CAN capable. This paper presents a modular MANE implementation solution using off-the-shelf hardware and open source software like Click modular router to implement flow classification, MPLS encapsulation and decapsulation, separation between VCANs, and QoS enforcement with Linux TC (traffic control) mechanism. Based on performance measurements, it is shown that the implementation imposes minor overheads over existing routing infrastructure and scalability is achievable.