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Interfacer: A Model-Driven Development Method for SDN Applications

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Advanced Information Networking and Applications (AINA 2019)

Abstract

In order to deliver network services using Software-Defined Networking (SDN) elements of the three layers, namely infrastructure, control, and application are necessary. Infrastructure and Control layer elements are in a more mature state. They had received more extensive research and already count with some product options available in the market. SDN Applications, however, are not commodity software that can be deployed into different control and infrastructure layers. Applications should be built in a more customized fashion, and seamless integrated with existing SDN infrastructure and control. This paper explores the Interfacer, a Model-Driven Development (MDD) approach to SDN application development and integration in order to deliver high-quality network services. This method uses ontology-driven conceptual modeling to capture essential aspects of existing and to be developed components of a SDN network architecture as well how they should better interface and integrate into models. These models are transformed into source code that respects the requirements of existing components and enforce the requirements of SDN applications been developed leading to higher continuity and lower time to market and maintenance cost of SDN services. These models also promote communication and learning improvements in developer community accelerating the development process and minimizing risks. A case study is reported illustrating the application of the method. In this case study we perform the analysis and refactoring of the Entity Title Architecture (ETArch), an SDN based network architecture that is deployed over an OpenFlow capable infrastructure.

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Acknowledgements

This work was has been partially funded by Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), FAPEMIG and PROPP/UFU.

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Correspondence to João Eurípedes Pereira Júnior .

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Pereira Júnior, J.E., de Oliveira Silva, F., de Souza Pereira, J.H., Rosa, P.F. (2020). Interfacer: A Model-Driven Development Method for SDN Applications. In: Barolli, L., Takizawa, M., Xhafa, F., Enokido, T. (eds) Advanced Information Networking and Applications. AINA 2019. Advances in Intelligent Systems and Computing, vol 926. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-15032-7_54

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