HSF: A Hybrid SVM-RF Machine Learning Framework for Dual-Plane DDoS Detection and Mitigation in Software-Defined Networks

Software-defined networking (SDN) has revolutionized network management by centralizing control through software, thereby enabling dynamic traffic adjustments that are independent of the data plane. However, this innovation introduces significant security vulnerabilities because the existing solutio...

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Main Authors: Abdinasir Hirsi, Lukman Audah, Mohammed A. Alhartomi, Adeb Salh, Godwin Okon Ansa, Mustafa Maad Hamdi, Diani Galih Saputri, Salman Ahmed, Abdullahi Farah
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: IEEE 2025-01-01
Series:IEEE Access
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Online Access:https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11053758/
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author Abdinasir Hirsi
Lukman Audah
Mohammed A. Alhartomi
Adeb Salh
Godwin Okon Ansa
Mustafa Maad Hamdi
Diani Galih Saputri
Salman Ahmed
Abdullahi Farah
author_facet Abdinasir Hirsi
Lukman Audah
Mohammed A. Alhartomi
Adeb Salh
Godwin Okon Ansa
Mustafa Maad Hamdi
Diani Galih Saputri
Salman Ahmed
Abdullahi Farah
author_sort Abdinasir Hirsi
collection DOAJ
description Software-defined networking (SDN) has revolutionized network management by centralizing control through software, thereby enabling dynamic traffic adjustments that are independent of the data plane. However, this innovation introduces significant security vulnerabilities because the existing solutions are largely adaptations of traditional methods and fail to address the unique challenges of SDN environments. To address this issue, this study proposes a machine-learning (ML)-based intrusion detection framework tailored specifically for SDN. In particular, the framework utilizes a hybrid model that combines a Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) classifiers (HSF), which significantly improves intrusion detection accuracy. Specifically, the proposed solution is structured as a three-layer protection mechanism. First, the Data Plane Monitoring layer examines features, such as packet count and byte count, to detect anomalies. Second, the Control Plane Monitoring layer evaluates attributes such as the source IP, destination IP, and protocols to identify suspicious activity. Finally, the Detection Layer leverages the hybrid ML approach to further strengthen detection capabilities and ensure timely responses. Importantly, the experimental results reveal that the HSF technique achieves an anomaly detection rate exceeding 99% across both data and control planes. This highlights its efficacy in securing the next-generation SDN networks.
format Article
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institution Kabale University
issn 2169-3536
language English
publishDate 2025-01-01
publisher IEEE
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series IEEE Access
spelling doaj-art-2b7217e83a5d4cc2b6a98ce05d0245382025-08-20T03:29:06ZengIEEEIEEE Access2169-35362025-01-011311230311232310.1109/ACCESS.2025.358371211053758HSF: A Hybrid SVM-RF Machine Learning Framework for Dual-Plane DDoS Detection and Mitigation in Software-Defined NetworksAbdinasir Hirsi0https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8543-6134Lukman Audah1https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0958-4474Mohammed A. Alhartomi2https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5955-8864Adeb Salh3https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0905-2635Godwin Okon Ansa4https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1107-5959Mustafa Maad Hamdi5Diani Galih Saputri6https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7124-7148Salman Ahmed7https://orcid.org/0009-0003-7129-7892Abdullahi Farah8Advanced Telecommunication Research Center, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Parit Raja, MalaysiaAdvanced Telecommunication Research Center, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), Parit Raja, MalaysiaDepartment of Electrical Engineering, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi ArabiaFaculty of Information and Communication Technology, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR), Kampar, MalaysiaDepartment of Computer Science, Faculty of Physical Sciences, Akwa Ibom State University, Mkpat Enin, Akwa Ibom, NigeriaDepartment of Computer Science, College of Computer Science and IT, University of Anbar, Ramadi, IraqMicroelectronics and Nanotechnology Shamsuddin Research Centre (MiNT-SRC), UTHM, Parit Raja, Johor, MalaysiaVLSI and Embedded Technology (VEST) Focus Group, Faculty of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, UTHM, Parit Raja, MalaysiaEngineering Department, Somtel Telecommunication Company, Bosaso, SomaliaSoftware-defined networking (SDN) has revolutionized network management by centralizing control through software, thereby enabling dynamic traffic adjustments that are independent of the data plane. However, this innovation introduces significant security vulnerabilities because the existing solutions are largely adaptations of traditional methods and fail to address the unique challenges of SDN environments. To address this issue, this study proposes a machine-learning (ML)-based intrusion detection framework tailored specifically for SDN. In particular, the framework utilizes a hybrid model that combines a Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) classifiers (HSF), which significantly improves intrusion detection accuracy. Specifically, the proposed solution is structured as a three-layer protection mechanism. First, the Data Plane Monitoring layer examines features, such as packet count and byte count, to detect anomalies. Second, the Control Plane Monitoring layer evaluates attributes such as the source IP, destination IP, and protocols to identify suspicious activity. Finally, the Detection Layer leverages the hybrid ML approach to further strengthen detection capabilities and ensure timely responses. Importantly, the experimental results reveal that the HSF technique achieves an anomaly detection rate exceeding 99% across both data and control planes. This highlights its efficacy in securing the next-generation SDN networks.https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11053758/DDoS attackmachine learningnetwork securityrandom forestSDN securitysupport vector machine
spellingShingle Abdinasir Hirsi
Lukman Audah
Mohammed A. Alhartomi
Adeb Salh
Godwin Okon Ansa
Mustafa Maad Hamdi
Diani Galih Saputri
Salman Ahmed
Abdullahi Farah
HSF: A Hybrid SVM-RF Machine Learning Framework for Dual-Plane DDoS Detection and Mitigation in Software-Defined Networks
IEEE Access
DDoS attack
machine learning
network security
random forest
SDN security
support vector machine
title HSF: A Hybrid SVM-RF Machine Learning Framework for Dual-Plane DDoS Detection and Mitigation in Software-Defined Networks
title_full HSF: A Hybrid SVM-RF Machine Learning Framework for Dual-Plane DDoS Detection and Mitigation in Software-Defined Networks
title_fullStr HSF: A Hybrid SVM-RF Machine Learning Framework for Dual-Plane DDoS Detection and Mitigation in Software-Defined Networks
title_full_unstemmed HSF: A Hybrid SVM-RF Machine Learning Framework for Dual-Plane DDoS Detection and Mitigation in Software-Defined Networks
title_short HSF: A Hybrid SVM-RF Machine Learning Framework for Dual-Plane DDoS Detection and Mitigation in Software-Defined Networks
title_sort hsf a hybrid svm rf machine learning framework for dual plane ddos detection and mitigation in software defined networks
topic DDoS attack
machine learning
network security
random forest
SDN security
support vector machine
url https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/11053758/
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