A tensor-based big data model for QoS improvement in software defined networks

The growing volume of network traffic and gradual deployment of SDN devices initiate a new era in which one distinguished feature is the application of big data technology to SDNs for construction of flexible, scalable, and self-managing networks. The primary purpose of this article is to develop a novel tensor-based model for efficient provisioning of QoS in software defined networks. First, a forwarding tensor model is proposed to formalize the networking functions in the data plane; then a controlling tensor model is presented for routing path recommendation in the control plane. Finally, the article introduces a transition tensor model for network traffic prediction and QoS provisioning. The three models can automatically monitor the network state, recommend routing paths and predict network traffic, respectively. A case study to recommend routing paths is investigated in the article.