ONOS SDN Framework: Assessing the Impact of Single and Multi-Controller Architectures on Network Efficiency

Software-Defined Networking (SDN) has transformed the computer network management by decoupling the control plane from the data plane, granting immense flexibility, and programmability. Within the SDN world, the Open Network Operating System (ONOS) controller and the Mininet emulator have emerged as pivotal tools. This research paper provides a comprehensive comparative analysis of single-controller and multi-controller architectures within the specific context of ONOS and Mininet, aiming to explore their respective strengths and weaknesses. Single-controller configurations centralize control, offering a simplified network management perspective, while multi-controller setups distribute control across multiple nodes, potentially enhancing scalability and fault tolerance. Our analysis comprises diverse performance metrics, including latency, throughput, and scalability, in addition to considerations such as fault tolerance, load balancing, and the complexity of management and configuration. By presenting the observed evidence derived from experimental setups and real-world use cases, this research paper offers valuable guidance to network administrators, engineers, and researchers with the decision of selecting the most suitable architectural approach for SDN deployments utilizing ONOS and Mininet. Moreover, it provides insights into the current state of SDN technology and a forward-looking perspective on potential advancements and challenges within this dynamic field of technology.