Service-Aware Multipath for Heterogeneous Networks with Non-Terrestrial Technologies

Heterogeneous networks integrate diverse devices and technologies, creating significant challenges for efficient traffic forwarding and network management. Smart cities are an example of such networks, relying on applications ranging from transportation to public safety, and demanding adaptive communication infrastructures, terrestrial and non-terrestrial, to ensure seamless connectivity and performance. Simultaneously, Software Defined Networking (SDN) has emerged and proved itself as a valid new approach to network management, enabling intelligent and centralized control. This paper presents an approach, denominated Service-Aware Multi-path BAlancing (SAMBA), to service-aware traffic forwarding to manage heterogeneous, multi-technology, multi-path environments, overcoming the limitations of previous, more technology-specific methods. This approach is evaluated against Shortest Path Forwarding (SPF) across various network technologies, including Ethernet, wireless networks (IEEE 802.11p and private 5G), and Non-Terrestrial Networks. The results demonstrate significant improvements in service throughput and latency while enhancing load distribution and preventing network link saturation.