Using a model-driven architecture for technology-independent scenario configuration in networking testbeds

Networking testbeds are a key tool to design and experiment with new protocols, architectures, and services being proposed for future networks. The scenario-based configuration approach is a state-of-the-art testbed configuration mechanism that maximizes productivity in reconfigurable testbeds. However, commonly used scenario specification languages are highly coupled with the underlying testbed technologies. This fact precludes either the reusability of scenarios among different testbeds, or experimentation with complex test scenarios implemented over federated infrastructures proposed in projects like GENI, which comprise a combination of heterogeneous testbeds. In this article these issues are addressed by proposing a novel technology-independent scenario-based testbed configuration management architecture based on model-driven architecture principles. Our proposal takes into account general applicability and extensibility requirements, as well as seamless integration with existing testbeds. Furthermore, it has been experimentally validated with tests performed on actual testbeds.