Network virtualization - a virtual router performance evaluation

Bruno Parreira; Márcio Melo; João Soares; Jorge Carapinha; Romeu Monteiro; Susana Sargento

Bruno Parreira Portugal Telecom Inovaç˜ao, Instituto de Telecomunicaç˜oes, University of Aveiro
Márcio Melo Portugal Telecom Inovaç˜ao, Instituto de Telecomunicaç˜oes, University of Aveiro
João Soares Portugal Telecom Inovaç˜ao, Instituto de Telecomunicaç˜oes, University of Aveiro
Jorge Carapinha Portugal Telecom Inovaç˜ao
Romeu Monteiro Instituto de Telecomunicaç˜oes, University of Aveiro
Susana Sargento Instituto de Telecomunicaç˜oes, University of Aveiro

Resumo

Network Virtualization is claimed to be a key component of the Future Internet by enabling the coexistence of heterogeneous (virtual) networks on the same physical infrastructure [1], providing the dynamic creation and support of different networks with different paradigms and mechanisms. In order for virtualization to be used in a network operator’s infrastructure, its impact on the network traffic must be studied. In this paper, we perform an analysis of the impact of network virtualization on two types of traffic, TCP and UDP. To deploy the virtual networks, the Network Virtualization System Suite is used. This platform enables the creation of virtual networks on top of a substrate network, isolating the traffic in the different layers. The tests performed evaluate the effect that the increase of virtual routers and data flows has on throughput and packet delay. The effect of CPU load on throughput is also analyzed. The results obtained using TCP demonstrate that the CPU load has a more adverse effect on throughput than increasing the number of virtual routers, with a loss of 25% in the first case and 15% in latter case. The UDP tests revealed that increasing virtual routers leads to an increase in packet delay variation.