Enabling ICN in IP networks using SDN

In this work, we outline how to enable Information-Centric Networking (ICN) on existing IP networks, such as ISP or data center networks, using Software-Defined Networking (SDN) functions and control. We describe a mechanism that requires neither new or extended network/L3 and transport/L4 protocols nor changes of ICN host network stacks, and supports aggregation of routes inside the SDN controlled network. The proposed solution is agnostic of the specific ICN protocol in use, and does not require all network elements to be SDN-enabled. It supports advanced ICN routing features like request aggregation and forking, as well as load-balancing, traffic engineering, and explicit path steering (e. g., through ICN caches). We present the design as well as our first implementation of the proposed scheme-based on the Trema OpenFlow controller-framework and CCNx.