Latency Evaluation and Modelling in Distributed SDN-based Mobile Networks

In this paper we investigate and mathematically model the major latency contributors in OpenFlow-based mobile core and backhauling networks. We use queuing theory to quantify the average packet service time in both switches and controllers, and we perform extensive evaluation of the proposed model in MATLAB. Our results clearly point the major factors that impact the latency in SDN networks: load and number of controllers, arrival rate, mean service rate and probability of Packet-In messages.