In this tutorial, you'll complete a set of exercises designed to explain concepts of SDN, both at the controller and switch levels, in a hands-on, guided way. At the end, you'll know more about basic SDN concepts, and be ready to apply what you learned to physical networks. Plus, you'll have a Mininet-based virtual development environment that you can use to conveniently build and test your own new SDN application.
Soon, you will:
- Learn Development Tools: add rules to a switch, view flow tables, watch OpenFlow messages, and benchmark a simple controller
- Create a Learning Switch: turn a hub into a faster Ethernet learning switch, and then a flow-accelerated learning switch, using the Beacon OpenFlow controller
- Slice a Network: slice a network in multiple ways, using FlowVisor
You will need a computer with at least 1GB (preferably 2GB+) of RAM and at least 5GB of free hard disk space (more preferred). A faster processor or solid-state drive will speed up the virtual machine boot time, and a larger screen will help to manage multiple terminal windows.
The computer can run Windows, Mac OS X, or Linux - all work fine with Virtualbox, the only software requirement.
To install VirtualBox, you will need administrative access to the machine.
The tutorial instructions require no prior knowledge of OpenFlow, and only basic familiarity with networking concepts.
Email (openflow-discuss - at - lists.stanford.edu) if you're stuck, think you've found a bug, or just want to send some feedback. Please include as many details about your setup as possible, including your OS, virtualization software info, memory size, and the step you're on.