Position Paper: Software-Defined Network Service Chaining

Network service chaining allows composing services out of multiple service functions. Traditional network service functions include, e.g., firewalls, TCP optimizers, web proxies, or higher layer applications. Network service chaining requires flexible service function deployment models. Related work facilitating service chaining include, e.g., the network service header proposal discussed at the IETF or the complementary work on network function virtualization (NFV) at ETSI. This position paper presents a high-level concept and architecture to enable service chaining using Software Defined Networking (SDN), specifically OpenFlow in a telecommunication environment. The paper discusses required functionalities, challenges, and testbed aspects to implement and test such an approach. Finally, the set of implemented service functions and management interfaces are highlighted to demonstrate the approach as a proof of concept for a selection of relevant use cases.