Software-defined networking (SDN) is an innovative network paradigm much in demand today in academics and industry. In this network, the SDN controller must be able to observe and examine traffic flow through the network systems. However, intrusion-based data packets affect the whole system is a major drawback. To overcome this issue, we propose a Novel Agent Program (NAP) framework for preventing switches from the external compromised attacks. A Meta-Heuristic Bayesian Network Classification (MHBNC) algorithm for intrusion detection is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm follows certain procedures for preprocessing, feature selection, feature optimization, and classification. Normal and anomaly-based data packets are classified successfully with its improved detection capabilities based on the optimization technique. The simulation results of the proposed ID_MBC (intrusion detection based on meta-heuristic Bayesian classifier) technique is compared with existing techniques such as the association rule, PSO+GA, and the GA+RVM. The proposed MHBNC classifier performs better than existing methods.Int J Network Mgmt. 2019;29:e2047.wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/nem
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