OpenFlow-Based Scalable Routing With Hybrid Addressing in Data Center Networks

In this letter, we propose an OpenFlow (OF)-based SCAlable Routing strategy (OSCAR) for modular data center networks (DCN) using a hybrid addressing mechanism. Each module in the DCN constitutes a segment in the network. Inter-segment routing is performed using virtual MAC (VMAC) ids assigned to the segments and intra-segment routing is done using IP addresses. OF provides central control over the network but it suffers from limited scalability in DCNs due to high control traffic. In OSCAR, the control traffic is minimized to achieve high scalability and flexibility in DCN routing.