An SDN-based Network Layer Solution to Improve the Fairness and Throughput of Multi-path TCP

The Multi-Path Transmission Control Protocol (MPTCP) is a protocol that enables concurrent use of multiple paths over the Internet by a single application, as an example using both 5G and Wi-Fi concurrently to improve throughput. Existing implementation manage throughput in a distributed manner, and over-caution by MPTCP results in circumstances where MPTCP underperforms the protocols it is designed to replace. This thesis explores the application of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) technology to further enhance the performance of MPTCP by providing network visibility, monitoring resources and dynamic traffic management. The outcomes demonstrate that central management results in fair sharing of bandwidth among MPTCP and other transport connections, resulting in improved overall speed.