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Hierarchical traffic engineering with PSO: a path to efficient congestion management in SDN

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Abstract

Traffic engineering is critical for optimizing network performance and resource utilization. Software-Defined Networking (SDN) offers a flexible architecture that allows dynamic traffic management. However, traditional traffic engineering methods can struggle as SDN networks grow in size and complexity, making congestion management a key challenge. This paper presents a novel traffic engineering solution for SDN that utilizes Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) within a scalable hierarchical framework. The approach addresses the difficulties of dynamic traffic patterns and resource allocation in large-scale SDN deployments by breaking down traffic management tasks into manageable domains. By leveraging PSO's ability to explore large solution spaces, the algorithm optimizes routing paths and bandwidth allocation based on a fitness function designed to minimize congestion, latency, and other key performance metrics. The proposed method, called Particle Swarm Optimization for Congestion Management (PSOCB), focuses on optimizing cluster switches using meta-heuristic techniques. PSOCB achieves a 13% increase in throughput and an 8% improvement in link performance, while reducing delays compared to traditional methods. Although PSOCB occasionally showed higher congestion than baseline approaches, it quickly restored normal network conditions through its congestion removal strategies. Simulations on realistic network topologies demonstrate substantial performance improvements over conventional static routing, highlighting the effectiveness and scalability of our PSO-based hierarchical traffic engineering solution.

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Data availability

No datasets were generated or analysed during the current study.

Conflict of interest

Abbreviations

SDN:

Software-defined networking

PSO:

Particle swarm optimization

HTE:

Hierarchical traffic engineering

QOS:

Quality of service

PSOBC:

Particle swarm optimization for bandwidth control

VNRs:

Virtual network requests

VN:

Virtual network

NVEs:

Network virtualization environments

CPU:

Central processing unit

ECMP:

Equal-cost multi-path

TCP:

Transmission control protocol

NS2:

Network simulator version2

TCP:

Transmission control protocol

RTT:

Round-trip time

API:

Application programming interface

IP:

Internet protocol

IOT:

Internet of thing

ML:

Machine learning

AI:

Artificial intelligence

BGP:

Border gateway protocol

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Computer Engineering, Isfahan (Khorasgan) Branch, Islamic Azad University, Isfahan, Iran

    Somayeh Azizi & Mohammadreza Soltanaghaei

  2. Department of Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Arak University, Arak, Iran

    Hossein Ghaffarian

Authors
  1. Somayeh Azizi
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  3. Hossein Ghaffarian
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Contributions

The contributions of the authors to this article are as follows: All authors contributed to writing the proposed method, its implementation, and the evaluation of the results. They also assisted in writing various sections of the manuscript. Additionally, all authors reviewed the manuscript multiple times and made necessary revisions, especially those suggested by the reviewers. S.A. (PhD Student) led the development of the proposed method, including its implementation and the evaluation of results. She played a central role in writing the majority of the manuscript. Moreover, S.A. worked on revising the manuscript, addressing feedback from the reviewers, and collaborating with M.S. and H.G. to make necessary corrections to the article. M.S. (Supervisor and Corresponding Author) contributed to the formulation of the proposed method and played an active role in drafting various sections of the manuscript. Along with S.A., M.S. carefully reviewed and provided critical feedback on multiple drafts, making several revisions, particularly in response to the reviewers’ comments. M.S.'s efforts focused on ensuring the clarity, technical accuracy, and consistency of the manuscript. H.G. (Advisor) provided substantial assistance throughout the implementation and writing process, contributing to various sections and collaborating with the other authors to improve the overall structure of the manuscript. He also played a key role in editing, refining the English language, and ensuring that the content was well-organized. Somayeh Azizi (S.A) Mohammadreza Soltanaghaei (M.S) Hossein Ghaffarian (H.G.)

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Correspondence to Mohammadreza Soltanaghaei.

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The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper. The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships, which may be considered as potential competing interests. (1) This material is the authors' own original work, which has not been previously published elsewhere. (2) The paper is not currently being considered for publication elsewhere. (3) The paper reflects the authors' own research and analysis wholly and truthfully. (4) The paper properly credits the meaningful contributions of co-authors and co-researchers. (5) The results are appropriately placed in prior and existing research context. (6) All sources used are properly disclosed (correct citation). Copying of text must be indicated as such by using quotation marks and giving proper references.(7) All authors have been personally and actively involved in substantial work leading to the paper and will take public.Responsibility for its content. I agree with the above statements and declare that this submission follows the policies as outlined in the Guide for Authors and in the Ethical Statement.

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Azizi, S., Soltanaghaei, M. & Ghaffarian, H. Hierarchical traffic engineering with PSO: a path to efficient congestion management in SDN. Computing 107, 55 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00607-024-01363-1

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Keywords

Mathematics Subject Classification