An SDN-based Framework for Improving the Performance of Underprovisioned IP Video Surveillance Networks

Abstract

IP video surveillance (IPVS) systems, unlike traditional analog-based systems, are capable of operating over pre-existing computer networks. As a consequence, resource contention among the video streams from multiple IP cameras and traffic from other applications can significantly degrade the overall performance of the underlying network. Software Defined Networking (SDN) is a relatively new paradigm which aims to build programmable and flexible networks. By separating forwarding and control functions, the centralized SDN controller can create a map of the network topology by relying on the information provided by the switches. This paper proposes an SDN-based framework to enhance the performance of IPVS systems deployed over underprovisioned networks. In order to assist the controller's rerouting and bitrate adjustment decisions, a video quality indicator was also formulated by using the FlowStats messages queried from the switches via OpenFlow, a widely recognized protocol in SDN. Moreover, our framework is designed based on the observation that the video streams in surveillance systems offer varying utilities depending on the captured event. Experimental results show that employing the proposed solution reduced the video streams' average packet loss, latency and jitter by 87%, 11%, 7%, respectively and also increased throughput by 8%. Furthermore, the comparison of the video streams' QoS metrics suggests that the proposed solution can prioritize the reception of selected streams.