A Scalable Container-based Virtualized Data Center Emulation Framework

Data Center Networks (DCNs) powering cloud services as well as social networks pose unique network de-sign/optimization challenges. In response, numerous solutions have been proposed utilizing SDN, programmable data plane, and telemetry. However, testbeds supporting the experimental features while imitating DCN traffic-for implementing and analyzing such solutions-are not trivial to build. We present a data center emulation framework for development and validation of data center algorithms and protocols using lightweight virtualized components such as containers and virtual switches. The framework facilitates automated creation of DCN topologies, telemetry, SDN controller, and data center workload generation at scale. The framework also enables combining diverse virtualized elements and hardware elements. This demo exhibits our in-progress framework implementation that is capable of instantiating a leaf-spine topology with P4-capable switches, gNMI telemetry, BGP routing and end-hosts.