We're going to be able to ask our computers to monitor things for us, and when certain conditions happen, the computers will take certain actions and inform us after the fact. ~ Steve Jobs
Network Packet Monitoring Optimizations Powered By SDN Dharmraj Jhatakia, GM & Head of Data Centre Technologies Happiest Minds Technologies Private Ltd
Overview of Network Monitoring
Quick Recall on Techniques of Network Monitoring Active Probing Injecting special packets Device Probing Querying for device properties e.g. SNMP Log Analysis Analysis of system generated data Flow Collection Flow level data analysis - NetFlow. Packet Monitoring Most advanced, packet level, granular monitoring technique
Why Monitor? Recording of conversations Next Generation Firewalls, IDS, IPS Lawful Interception by Telecom Service Providers Proactive Network Performance tuning
Typical Deployment Inline Monitroing Original Data Replicated Data Monitoring Function Mgmnt Connect
SDN Powered Packet Monitoring
Challenges of Today s Data Centre Virtualized Work Flow and challenges with VM movements Redundancy and Availability at Low Cost Optimal usage of capacity for production traffic Contention for limited SPAN ports
SDN enabled monitoring deployment
VM Migration Use Case
VM Migration Use Case VM is hosted on Server Rack 1
VM Migration Use Case Traffic Originating from VM and destined to Switch F is being monitored on MD3. MD3 SWB SWE SWA SWF VM is hosted on Server Rack 1
VM Migration Use Case MD3 SWB SWE SWA SWF SWD VM Migrates to Server Rack 2
MD2 Enabled MD2 MD3 SWB SWE SWA SWF SWD New PktIn From Switch D to SDN Controller
Mirroring on SWB disabled Monitoring on MD3 Disabled MD2 SWB SWE SWA SWF SWD
Optimizing Distributed Monitoring - Fail Safe
Optimizing Distributed Monitoring - Conservation
Efficient Capacity Usage On Demand Mirroring Traditional monitoring system use primitive filters and hence replicate lot of unnecessary traffic SDN & DPI can help us perform on demand monitoring For example: Enabling Monitoring only for VOIP traffic from a particular source PktIN received at controller can be sent to DPI engine which computes the resultant action The controller, based on the action, performs the configuration and hence an optimal on demand monitoring
Business Benefits of SDN Powered Packet Monitoring
Why would they Care for SDN enabled Monitoring? Enterprises and CIOs Capex savings Monitoring solution deployed using WhiteBox Switches, ODL controller, and a variety of free tools Opex savings distribution of monitoring functions without replication For Existing Monitoring Solutions Vendors Offer scale as you go / pay as you go models Ability to break into price sensitive customers Allow to focus on feature rich solutions and advanced applications
Who and Why Do they Care for SDN enabled Monitoring? For Start Ups Focus on building innovative solutions and reducing time to market For ISPs Agility and flexibility of offering monitoring services Newer business models
Case Study Happiest Minds Co-Creation with a leader in Packet Monitoring
Our Visionary Customer s approach Customer, one of the top players in Packet Monitoring solutions, wanted to offer a new monitoring solution which is based on bare metal switches and SDN controller. [ Customer evaluated multiple options, but nailed down on OpenDayLight as the controller Wide range of platform features which can speed up implementation Flexibility and Robustness Ability to leverage the contributions from a very smart community of developers
Happiest Minds Contribution to the Solution Customization and hardening of security Customization of the ODL modules Development of monitoring function SDN applications Transformation of the Monitoring application, which is the core IP of the customer, to an SDN Application
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