PolyViNE: policy-based virtual network embedding across multiple domains

Abstract Intra-domain virtual network embedding is a well-studied problem in the network virtualization literature. For most practical purposes, however, virtual networks (VNs) must be provisioned across heterogeneous administrative domains managed by multiple infrastructure providers (InPs). In this paper, we present PolyViNE, a policy-based inter-domain VN embedding framework that embeds end-to-end VNs in a decentralized manner. PolyViNE introduces a distributed protocol that coordinates the VN embedding process across participating InPs and ensures competitive prices for service providers (SPs), i.e., VN owners, while providing monetary incentives for InPs to participate in the process even under heavy competition. We also present a location-aware VN request forwarding mechanism – basd on a hierarchical addressing scheme (COST) and a location awareness protocol (LAP) – to allow faster embedding. We outline scalability and performance characteristics of PolyViNE through quantitative and qualitative evaluations.