Mininet: a versatile tool for emulation and prototyping of Software Defined Networking

Software Defined Networks is a new paradigm in data networks, which in recent years is being focus of study and research because of the different advantages regarding the operation of conventional networks. Software Defined Networks separates the data plane from the control plane of a network device, allowing control, monitoring and management of a network from a central node or controller, which promises to simplify network management. It also includes innovation through its programmability. Given the fact that Software Defined Networks is a subject of current research, and given the importance of taking the tools to simulate or emulate network devices to test the solutions proposed by researchers and new features; this paper presents primarily a general conceptualization of Software Defined Networks, then describes different tools for simulation and emulation current used, and finally it focuses on the study of emulation tool called Mininet, showing installation modes, creating topologies, network controllers and main features revealing his versatility in this new paradigm prototyping.