A Demonstration Scenario for the NorNet Core Multi-Homed Network Testbed

Abstract

There is extensive on-going research taking place with the goal of implementing transport layer protocols that are able to utilize multi-homing on machines (connection to multiple ISPs). Multi-homing has potential to improve resilience and increase total goodput compared to using a single connection. This would e.g. benefit the trend of more and more services being moved online and into the cloud. The NorNet Core multi-homed network testbed aims to facilitate this research by offering programmable virtual machines located at multiple different sites across the world, accessible for researchers. The aim of this project is the design and implementation of a demonstration platform for NorNet Core that enables the testbed to be illustratively demonstrated to potential new users. This is done by offering users interactive experiments, and geographical visualization of various communication scenarios between nodes in the NorNet Core network in real time. The demonstration platform puts emphasis on demonstrating the unique aspects of NorNet Core compared to other networking testbeds; namely the multi-homed nature and IPv6 support for all of the nodes. This thesis discusses the technical aspects of designing and implementing the platform, as well as demonstrating the finished result with various demonstration scenarios. The Qt programming framework was chosen as the primary development framework for this application.