A Comprehensive Survey of Interface Protocols for Software Defined Networks

In this survey, we present a comprehensive study of such interfaces available for southbound, northbound, and east/westbound communication. We have classified each type into different categories based on their properties and capabilities. Virtualization of networks devices is a common practice in Software Defined Networks. This paper also analyzes interface solution which work with different virtualization schemes. In addition, the paper highlights a number of short term and long term research challenges and open issues related to SDN interfaces.

Elsevier Journal of Network and Computer Applications (JCR-Q1, 2023 IF: 7.7)