Network-based virtual personal overlay networks using programmable virtual routers

This article explores the use and adaptation of well established VPN technologies to dynamically network at run time devices and services in personal networks. Virtual personal overlay networks are envisaged as an extension of the basic VPN concept to network PN nodes in a secure manner. User managed and provider provisioned-based overlays are analyzed in terms of scalability, management complexity, and security to select the most appropriate VPON deployment and management framework. The dynamic nature of PNs calls for highly flexible self-configuring and self-adaptive VPON architectures. Programmable edge routers and dynamic tunneling mechanisms can be combined to meet the requirements set by PNs. The virtual router model is used in the provider edge to ease the dynamic deployment and management of VPONs. Results of an implementation and a performance evaluation of the VR concept based on open software routers are reported.