SPOF-NDN: Forwarding NDN on SDN Switches

Named data networking (NDN) is an instance of information-centric networking (ICN) architecture. Deploying NDN on software-defined network (SDN) switches offers advantages for forwarding throughput. However, it faces fundamental challenges: the flow table pipeline is not suitable for NDN’s variable-length TLV packet format and hierarchical names, cannot efficiently implement stateful forwarding (PIT, CS), and controller communication delays compromise low-latency routing mechanisms. This paper introduces SPOF-NDN, a POF-based NDN forwarding scheme that addresses these challenges through three key innovations. First, we design a flow-table-compatible packet format with a fixed-length header containing hashed NDN forwarding information, enabling efficient processing of NDN’s variable-length structures. Second, we extend POF switches with a stateful module that implements NDN’s stateful functions while leveraging flow tables for stateless functions. Third, we develop a temporary control mechanism that enables instantaneous FIB modifications independent of controller-switch communication latencies. Evaluation in a PINet environment demonstrates correct NDN packet forwarding and support for latency-sensitive routing mechanisms, confirming SPOF-NDN’s viability for practical NDN deployment in SDN environments. Per-module analysis reveals optimization potential for enhanced performance.