Load balance & congestion avoidance in EIGRP networks by using the characteristics of the openflow protocol

Abstract

In this paper, Enhanced Interior Gateway Routing Protocol (EIGRP) algorithm inside routers will be applied along with simple smart load distribution algorithm inside a controller which results a network that has the characteristics of the OpenFlow protocol. OpenFlow protocol is a powerful method to deal with changing of traffic volumes across the links and it involves using a Controller that manages traffic across the network. The aims of this project is to design an algorithm that combines the characteristics of both the traditional routing protocol (EIGRP) and the OpenFlow protocol, the flows from the sources to the destinations will be distributed across the network according to the mentioned algorithm which gives better load balance and avoiding channel congestion as much as possible. Both of the Routers and the Controller will share the responsibility of managing the traffic across the network. © 2014 Plymouth University.