Managing Virtual Programmable Switches: Principles, Requirements, and Design Directions

Abstract

Virtualization is a key enabler of various networking concepts, like virtual networks, cloud computing, and network function virtualization. With the advent of software-defined networks and programmable forwarding planes, researchers began investigating solutions to support the creation of virtual switches that one can program using emerging domain-specific languages like P4. This article covers the current state of affairs in programmable switch virtualization and highlights key principles, challenges, and opportunities related to operations and management of virtual switches whose behavior can be redefined on the fly and independently. We also introduce PvS, a proof-of-concept management layer that focuses on secure and independent management of programmable virtual switches.