OpenL3: Embedding Diverse Network Services into MANETs Using Multidimensional Identifier

Practical applications in mobile ad-hoc networks (MANETs) require the support of diverse network services, e.g., host-centric, content-centric, and location-centric routing and forwarding services. However, existing solutions are typically designed over a single network service rather than integrated ones. To embed diverse network services into MANETs, the major challenge is enabling interoperability among various network-layer (L3) protocols without suffering complexity and scalability issues. In this article, we propose OpenL3, a programmable L3 approach to support the coexistence of diverse network services in MANETs. Specifically, OpenL3 first abstracts key attributes from network entities, such as content, locations, or groups of devices. These attributes are embedded into a network address, named multidimensional identifier (MID), to control the routing and forwarding processes. Then, a distributed MID mapping system is established to facilitate efficient MID registration and query. Based on the MID, a programmable routing and forwarding scheme is proposed, which incorporates a lightweight packet processing design using a P4 programmable data plane to enable interoperability among various L3 protocols. A cluster of SDN-based control plane devices collaboratively distribute flow rules to manage data plane behavior. Furthermore, a prototype system is built to implement and evaluate the proposed solutions. Experimental results show that OpenL3 outperforms the existing solutions in terms of end-to-end latency and network throughput while being deployable in MANETs without modifications to network protocols or sockets.