Bringing Network Coding into SDN: Architectural Study for Meshed Heterogeneous Communications
Alejandro Cohen, Homa Esfahanizadeh, Bruno Sousa, João P. Vilela, Miguel Luís, Duarte Raposo, Michel François, Susana Sargento, Muriel Médard
Abstract
Modern communications have moved away from point-to-point models to increasingly heterogeneous network models. In this article, we propose a novel controller-based architecture to deploy adaptive causal network coding in heterogeneous and highly meshed communication networks. Specifically, we consider using the software-defined network as the main controller. We first present an architecture for highly meshed heterogeneous multi-source multi-destination networks that represent the practical communication networks encountered in the fifth generation of wireless networks and beyond. Next, we present a promising solution to deploy network coding over the new architecture. We also present a new controller-based setting with which network coding modules communicate to attain the required information. Finally, we briefly discuss how the proposed architecture and network coding solution provide a good opportunity for future technologies.