I-Corps: SDNatics: Big Data Analytics of Software Defined Networks to Understand, Predict and Protect Critical Computer Networks

传统的计算机网络管理在粒度、响应能力和可预测性方面存在严重限制，这可能导致公共安全和医疗保健等关键领域的网络故障，造成数百万美元的损失。当今的网络目前在各种企业策略下进行管理，并使用最先进的工具，如软件定义网络（SDN）控制器。但是，由于预定义的规则和算法不能很好地响应，导致流量泛滥、拥塞或容易受到攻击，网络中仍然会出现故障和问题。深入理解网络行为模式并在网络管理和规划中应用这些知识是提供新的解决方案和最佳实践的基础。该团队开发了一套协议和分析方法，通过使用软件定义网络（SDN）和机器学习技术来理解网络动态。有了这些信息，团队就能够报告异常的网络行为并警告潜在的故障。这允许更多的网络以算法、自动和智能的方式进行管理。具体来说，该团队的技术能够使用SDN技术跟踪网络流到更高的粒度（即分辨率）。然而，虽然当前的SDN方法在定义和执行围绕网络流的规则方面优于传统网络，但它们没有能力深入分析使用行为并动态应用这些信息来改进网络管理和规划。通过使用机器学习技术（即深度学习），该团队将开发snatics软件平台，该平台将允许更高级的SDN使用。这样的改进可以提高网络系统的安全性、可预测性、速度和数据量。

Conventional computer network management has serious limitations on granularity, responsiveness and predictability, which can lead to network failures costing millions of dollars in critical domains, e.g., public safety and health care. Today's networks are currently managed under various enterprise policies and with state-of-the-art tools such as software defined networking (SDN) controllers. However, the faults and problems in the networks still arise because there are always cases to which predefined rules and algorithms do not respond well, causing traffic flooding, congestions, or vulnerability to attacks. Understanding in-depth of the network behavior patterns and applying the knowledge in network management and planning are fundamental to providing new solutions and best practices.This team has developed a suite of protocols and analytics methods to understand network dynamics by using software-defined networking (SDN) and machine learning technologies. With this information the team is able to report abnormal network behavior and alert potential faults. This allows for much more of the network to be managed algorithmically, automatically, and intelligently. Specifically, this team's technology is able to track network flows to a much higher granularity (i.e. resolution) using SDN technology. However, while current SDN approaches are better than traditional networks in defining and enforcing rules around network flows, they do not have a capability to analyze in-depth usage behavior and dynamically apply such information to improve network management and planning. By using machine learning techniques (i.e. Deep Learning), the team will develop the SDNatics software platform that will allow for more advance uses of SDN. Such improvements should improve security, predictability, speed, and data volume in network systems.