Towards Efficient Implementation of Packet Classifiers in SDN/OpenFlow

Traffic classification is a core problem underlying efficient implementation of network services. In this work we draw from our experience in classifier design for commercial systems to address this problem in SDN and OpenFlow. We identify methods from other fields of computer science and show research directions that can be applied for efficient design of packet classifiers. Proposed abstractions and design patterns can significantly reduce requirements on network elements and enable deployment of functionality that would be infeasible in a traditional way. 1