Dynamic Overlay Node Activation Algorithms for Large-Scale Service Deployments

Due to overprovisioning of infrastructure nodes in overlay networks, many nodes remain idle at times of low network load. Some of these nodes could be temporary removed from the overlay topology and could then be used for other purposes or alternatively be temporarily shut down, to save energy. In this paper we present several algorithms to select the subset of overlay nodes that should be part of the overlay topology. This decision is made based on the current and (estimated) future network load and the locality of the clients and servers connected to the overlay network. As network load or conditions change, additional nodes can be dynamically (de)activated. Our algorithms can be used in conjunction with existing overlay topology construction protocols. Through extensive simulations, we have evaluated and compared the performance of our algorithms.