LLMP: Exploiting LLDP for Latency Measurement in Software-Defined Data Center Networks

The administrators of data center networks have to continually monitor path latency to detect network anomaly quickly and ensure the efficient operation of the networks. In this work, we propose Link Layer Measurement Protocol (LLMP), a prototype latency measuring framework based on the Link Layer Discovery Protocol (LLDP). LLDP is utilized by the controller to discover network topology dynamically. We insert timestamps into the optional LLDPTLV field in LLDP, so that the controller can estimate latency on any single link. The framework utilizes a reactive measurement approach without injecting any probe packets to the network. Our experiments show that the latency of a link can be measured accurately by LLMP. In relatively complex network conditions, LLMP can still maintain a high accuracy. We store the LLMP measurement results into a latency matrix, which can be used to infer the path latency.