LightNF: Simplifying Network Function Offloading in Programmable Networks

Xiang Chen, Qun Huang, Peiqiao Wang, Zili Meng, Hongyan Liu, Yuxin Chen, Dong Zhang, Haifeng Zhou, Boyang Zhou, Chunming Wu

Abstract: In network function virtualization (NFV), network functions (NFs) are chained as a service function chain (SFC) to enhance NF management with high flexibility. Recent solutions indicate that the processing performance of SFCs can be significantly improved by offloading NFs to programmable switches. However, such offloading requires a deep understanding of NF properties to achieve the maximum SFC performance, which brings non-trivial burdens to network administrators. In this paper, we propose LightNF, a novel system that simplifies NF offloading in programmable networks. LightNF automatically dissects comprehensive NF properties (e.g., NF performance behaviors) via code analysis and performance profiling while eliminating manual efforts. It then leverages the analyzed NF properties in its SFC placement so as to produce the performance-optimal offloading. We have implemented a LightNF prototype. Our experiments show that LightNF outperforms state-of-the-art solutions with an orders-of-magnitude reduction in per-packet processing latency and 9.5× improvement in SFC throughput.