How to push configurations to network elements via SDN controller

[RakeshRajakumar]

SDN Controller is launched and logged in. Network topology is created via Mininet and the same is reflected on the SDN controller.

But wanted to know, how to change or configure specific parameters like IP,MAC etc of the interfaces of network elements (Switches,routers) via the SDN controller. Request to provide inputs on the same.

[ShaunWackerly]

Hi Rakesh,

Thanks for asking this question. The VAN controller is not designed to be a network management system (like Airwave or IMC). Rather the VAN controller provides flexible control over the network via the OpenFlow protocol and SDN apps. I'm not aware of an SDN app that allows you to modify the IP or MAC address of a controlled switch, so that's likely something you'd need to do by some mechanism outside of VAN.

Shaun

[RakeshRajakumar]

Thanks Shaun for your inputs.

 As mentioned by you, VAN controller just provides a view of  the network elements only. And there is no way  that the specific interfaces  of the switches or routers can be altered. Correct me if I am wrong.

Just wanted to clarify, if there is any way to configure the flows etc on the network elements via the VAN controller.( Through the GUI or the 'curl' command on the VM machine). Since we are using a simulated network, wanted to know if there is any way to configure any parameter (not restricted to IP,MAC ) on the network element via the VAN controller.

Just found the below link, which shows a sample program to configure the DSCP value for a particular flow . Let me know if I  am referrring to the correct link. If yes, please let me know if any other specific API that needs to be installed and also the steps that needs to be followed.

Link :

https://community.hpe.com/t5/Software-Defined-Networking/OpenFlow-1-0-network-HP-SDN-VAN-controller-and-REST-API/td-p/6501902

[ShaunWackerly]

Hi Rakesh,

The GUI is a read-only view of flows on any particular OpenFlow datapath (switch). The Java and REST APIs published by VAN are what allow software-defined control of the network flows. You'll see the REST API documentation in the REST API Guide:

http://h20564.www2.hpe.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=c05040230

and the Java API documentation in the Programming Guide:

http://h20564.www2.hpe.com/portal/site/hpsc/public/kb/docDisplay/?docId=c05040219

Shaun