Design and implementation of a toolkit for managing virtual LANs in campus networks

Sunil D Krothapalli, Purdue University

Abstract

This thesis is motivated by the goal of addressing the plethora of challenges network operators face in managing Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) in campus networks. Despite their wide prevalence in campus networks, the management process of VLANs is ad-hoc, error-prone, and has received little systematic treatment in the research community. We have identified the most commonly performed tasks by the network operators to manage VLANs and developed a system to automate these tasks. From an operator standpoint, the system not only provides a network wide view of how VLANs are organized in a network but also assist them in performing actions like extending and configuring new VLANs. Network managers can also use this toolkit to detect and diagnose suboptimal root bridge placements and misconfigurations like missing and redundant links. The system also provides an interactive graphical interface for visualizing the effect and impact of performing various VLAN design changes. We also performed an operational network study using the router and switch configuration files obtained from Purdue University campus network with hundreds of VLANs. Our results indicate that the system is effective in understanding VLANs design and identifying VLANs with misconfigurations or suboptimal designs.

Degree

M.S.E.C.E.

Advisors

Rao, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Electrical engineering|Computer science

COinS