Software-defined networking (SDN) makes network agile and flexible due to its programmable approach. An extensive network has multiple domains in SDN for the scalability and performance of the network. However, the inter-domain link is also crucial for the stability of the entire network on the data plane layer. More than one inter-domain connection enhances the scalability of the data plane layer. However, it faces a reachability problem with the principal root, which causes forwarding loops and packet drops in the network, thereby degrading network performance. The proposed solution is a multiple controller architecture; however, this approach increases the complexity and affects network performance. Thus, in this study, we propose a framework that avoids forwarding loops and packet drops without the synchronization of multiple-domain controllers in the network using an avoid loop with test packet scheme. Moreover, we collect the link status for improved routing and load balancing for the upcoming flow across inter-domain links to prevent congestion and increase throughput in real time. Our proposed methodology can significantly reduce the controller workload against multiple controller architecture, minimize flow setup latency, and improve throughput.

Multiple domain; packet drop; forwarding loop; load balancing; SDN; multiple controller