On the effectiveness of Linux containers for network virtualization

This paper presents a novel approach to the study of multi-technological networks based on Linux containers and software emulators. We illustrate the architecture and implementation issues of a modular and flexible testbed (NetBoxIT) that supports the virtualization and the concurrent, real-time execution of several independent emulators on a single, multi-core hardware platform. Distinct virtual networks can be instantiated, and connected to synthesize heterogeneous networks configurations. NetBoxIT is also an open platform, which can be interfaced with external networks and nodes, enabling the evaluation of true users’ applications and protocols. We examine its performance under different viewpoints (scalability, computational load, timing overheads, and realism) and we show how the proposed testbed architecture leads to a general-purpose, reliable, and economical tool for assessing multipart networks with respect to real-world applications. Moreover, we discuss which are the current and future technologies that can be introduced to reduce the testbed timing overheads and to further improve performance.