Optimizing Relay Placement for Scalable Secure VPLS Networks using Facility Location Modeling

Abstract: Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) networks have emerged as a popular solution for providing scalable and efficient Layer 2 connectivity across wide-area networks. However, designing secure and scalable VPLS networks presents significant challenges. The full-mesh tunneling approach in HIP-based VPLS networks results in the N square scalability problem. This thesis addresses the scalability issue in HIP-based Virtual Private LAN Service (VPLS) networks by introducing relay routers. An optimization model based on the Capacitated Facility Location Model is proposed to select the optimal relay routers for a given network topology. The objective of the model is to minimize the cost of setting up and maintaining relay routers while ensuring proper network operation. The proposed solution is evaluated using Software-Defined Networking (SDN) and Mininet-based simulations. The results show that the proposed approach is effective in reducing the scalability issue in HIP-based VPLS networks.