Overlay Network Technologies in SDN: Evaluating Performance and Scalability of VXLAN and GENEVE

Abstract

In the evolving landscape of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), overlay network technologies have emerged as pivotal components in achieving network virtualization, flexibility, and scalability. This research primarily aims to delve into two prominent overlay network technologies: VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) and GENEVE (Generic Network Virtualization Encapsulation). Through a comprehensive methodology, we employed a combination of theoretical analysis and practical experiments to assess the performance and scalability of these technologies within an SDN context. Our findings indicate that while both VXLAN and GENEVE offer significant advantages in terms of network virtualization and encapsulation, there are nuanced differences in their performance metrics and scalability capabilities. This research provides valuable insights for network architects and engineers in making informed decisions when integrating overlay technologies into SDN infrastructures.