Software-Defined Networking (SDN) is an evolutionary networking paradigm which has been adopted by large network and cloud providers, among which are Tech Giants. However, embracing a new and futuristic paradigm as an alternative to well-established and mature legacy networking paradigm requires a lot of time along with considerable financial resources and technical expertise. Consequently, many enterprises can not afford it. A compromise solution then is a hybrid networking environment (a.k.a. Hybrid SDN (hSDN)) in which SDN functionalities are leveraged while existing traditional network infrastructures are acknowledged.Recently, hSDN has been seen as a viable networking solution for a diverse range of businesses and organizations. Accordingly, the body of literature on hSDN research has improved remarkably. On this account, we present this paper as a comprehensive state-of-the-art survey which expands upon hSDN from many different perspectives.

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<p> In this poster paper, we propose and demonstrate an architectural framework for service Management and Orchestration (M&O) in Sixth-Generation (6G) communication systems. This architecture was designed by the Hexa-X project, which is a European flagship project dedicated to developing a vision and  technological enablers for 6G. To provide a comprehensive and  high-level description, we consider three views: (i) Functional  View; (ii) Structural View; and (iii) Deployment View. We first  discuss 6G service M&O before delving deeper into each view. </p>

Mobile networks are adopting disaggregation and modularisation to support flexibility. However, large modular networks with a wide range of heterogeneous components have many degrees of freedom, making its Management and Orchestration complex. The use of Machine Learning techniques is expected to improve the efficiency of the operation of 6G networks, by introducing data-driven approaches into their Management and Orchestration. In this paper, we review the current best practices of ML usage to support Management and Orchestration, and we present the H2020 European project Hexa-X Management and Orchestration architecture. We then identify the main challenges ahead to fully embrace a Machine Learning driven operation.

<p> In this poster paper, we propose and demonstrate an architectural framework for service Management and Orchestration (M&O) in Sixth-Generation (6G) communication systems. This architecture was designed by the Hexa-X project, which is a European flagship project dedicated to developing a vision and  technological enablers for 6G. To provide a comprehensive and  high-level description, we consider three views: (i) Functional  View; (ii) Structural View; and (iii) Deployment View. We first  discuss 6G service M&O before delving deeper into each view. </p>

<p>Network programmability is crucial for addressing the multiplicity and heterogeneity of Network Services, the diversity of the underlying infrastructure of Sixth Generation (6G) communication systems, and the requirements for maximum efficiency. The programmability of a service platform enables algorithmic network management by leveraging contemporary software virtualization technologies. Moreover, network programmability will abstract the essential network/service and resource configuration, as well as the production and administration of policy lifecycles, as the number of local breakouts (both public and private) is anticipated to grow exponentially. Network programmability is the central point of interest for Hexa-X, the European 6G flagship project, which aims to facilitate the dynamic adaptation to changing network situations and requirements for the most efficient use of available resources. To explore such a critical enabler of futuristic mobile networks, this article addresses the role of network and service programmability and its impact on various aspects of 6G within the context of Hexa-X. In order to accomplish this, the article begins by discussing Hexa-X’s proposed service Management and Orchestration (M&O) framework for 6G. Based on this framework, it identifies and explores in greater detail the programmability of four primary processes in 6G: expressing application and service requirements; service description models and profiling; monitoring and diagnostics; and reasoning. Beyond the scope of the Hexa-X, this article aims to serve as a foundation for future research into network and service programmability in 6G.</p>

<p>Network programmability is crucial for addressing the multiplicity and heterogeneity of Network Services, the diversity of the underlying infrastructure of Sixth Generation (6G) communication systems, and the requirements for maximum efficiency. The programmability of a service platform enables algorithmic network management by leveraging contemporary software virtualization technologies. Moreover, network programmability will abstract the essential network/service and resource configuration, as well as the production and administration of policy lifecycles, as the number of local breakouts (both public and private) is anticipated to grow exponentially. Network programmability is the central point of interest for Hexa-X, the European 6G flagship project, which aims to facilitate the dynamic adaptation to changing network situations and requirements for the most efficient use of available resources. To explore such a critical enabler of futuristic mobile networks, this article addresses the role of network and service programmability and its impact on various aspects of 6G within the context of Hexa-X. In order to accomplish this, the article begins by discussing Hexa-X’s proposed service Management and Orchestration (M&O) framework for 6G. Based on this framework, it identifies and explores in greater detail the programmability of four primary processes in 6G: expressing application and service requirements; service description models and profiling; monitoring and diagnostics; and reasoning. Beyond the scope of the Hexa-X, this article aims to serve as a foundation for future research into network and service programmability in 6G.</p>

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