DRENCH: A semi-distributed resource management framework for NFV based service function chaining

As networks grow in scale and complexity, the use of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and the ability to dynamically instantiate network function instances (NFls) allow us to scale out the network's capabilities in response to demand. At the same time, an increasing number of computing resources, deployed closer to users, as well as network equipment are now capable of performing general-purpose computation for NFV. However, NFV management in the presence of Service Function Chaining (SFC) for arbitrary topologies is a challenging task. In this work we argue for the necessity of an algorithmic resource managementframework that captures the involved tradeoffs of NFls minimum workload, load balancing, and flow path stretch. We introduce DRENCH as a low complexity NFV and flow steering management framework. In DRENCH an NFV market is considered where a centralised SDN controller acts as market orchestrator of NFV nodes. Through competition, NFV nodes make flow steering and NFl instantiation/consolidation decisions. DRENCH design enables third party NFV nodes participation while it can coexist with other NFV management solutions. DRENCH orchestrator parameterisation strikes the right balance between path stretch and NFl load balancing, resulting in significantly lower Flow Completion Times, up to 1Ox less, in some cases.