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Load Balancing in Software-Defined Networks Using Multi-Level Thresholds and Hybrid Switch Migration Strategies

Authors :

Alireza Karimi¹ Mohammad yousef Darmani²

1- K. N. Toosi University of Technology 2- K. N. Toosi University of Technology

Keywords :

multi-level threshold،load balancing،Software-Defined Network،switch migration،controller synchronization

Abstract :

With the expansion of Software-Defined Networks (SDN) and the adoption of multi-controller architectures, load imbalance among controllers has emerged as a major challenge, leading to latency, packet loss, and reduced stability. This paper proposes a multi-level algorithm based on multiple thresholds and a flat controller architecture, aiming to accurately detect overload conditions and trigger switch migration at the right time. To prevent load concentration and ping-pong effects, migrating switches and destination controllers are selected through complementary mechanisms, while synchronization is triggered only by significant changes to keep overhead within acceptable limits. Simulation results using Mininet and the Ryu controller show that the proposed method achieves more uniform load distribution, reduces latency and packet loss, and maintains control overhead at a reasonable level. Overall, the results demonstrate the effectiveness and stability of the proposed approach in dynamic and scalable multi-controller SDN environments.