Data Inspection in SDN Networks

Abstract

Software-Defined Networks can be considered as the most important development in Computer Networking in the last decade. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) technology significantly enhances the security and management of current networks, combined with software-defined networking (SDN), DPI becomes an even more powerful tool that can centralize network strategy control and quick automation. The conversion from the traditional networks to the SDN network has significant challenges that need a careful examination. In this thesis we focus on Improved DPI that can give the exhaustive data to notify the SDN controller about the situation of the network and its activity streams of traffic flows. This enables SDN to regard the network as a comprehensive asset as opposed to a different collection of devices (e.g. switches, security, and other Layer 4-7 elements). Ultimately, connecting SDN and DPI will let network pros apply policy control and automation to the whole network as opposed to individual components or elements.