Quality-of-service (QoS) for virtual networks in OpenFlow MPLS transport networks

Network virtualization presents a new networking paradigm that allows to accommodate multiple isolated virtual networks in one physical network. OpenFlow-based switches are a promising technology to achieve isolation in the transport network. However, these lack carrier-grade QoS support. On the contrary, MPLS is a scalable transport network technology with carrier-grade QoS support. It can isolate multiple QoS classes. Still, when accommodating multiple virtual networks with carrier-grade QoS support, we need to now isolate virtual networks in the same QoS class. MPLS lacks programmability to do that. In this paper, we propose a mechanism to isolate virtual networks in the same QoS class, by using OpenFlow in combination with MPLS in order to utilize the merits offered by both technologies. The core of our proposal does not need modification in the architecture from both. In addition, we also present extensions for faster response in the transport network. The evaluation of our proposal on a prototype proves the validity of our scheme as well as its usefulness in future networks.