The Service Programming and Orchestration for Virtualised Software Networks (SONATA) project targets both the flexible programmability of software networks and the optimisation of their deployments by means of integrating Development and Operations in order to accelerate industry adoption of software networks and reduce time-to-market for networked services. SONATA supports network function chaining and orchestration, making service platforms modular and easier to customise to the needs of different service providers, and introduces a specialised Development and Operations model for supporting developers.

Hexa-X will pave the way to the next generation of wireless networks (Hexa) by explorative research (X). The Hexa-X vision is to connect human, physical, and digital worlds with a fabric of sixth generation (6G) key enablers. The vision is driven by the ambition to contribute to objectives of growth, global sustainability, trustworthiness, and digital inclusion. Key 6G value indicators and use cases are defined against the background of technology push, society and industry pull as well as objectives of technology sovereignty. Key areas of research have been formulated accordingly to include connecting intelligence, network of networks, sustainability, global service coverage, extreme experience, and trustworthiness. Critical technology enablers for 6G are developed in the project including, sub-THz transceiver technologies, accurate stand-alone positioning and radio-based imaging, improved radio performance, artificial intelligence (AI) / machine learning (ML) inspired radio access network (RAN) technologies, future network architectures and special purpose solutions including future ultra-reliable low-latency communication (URLLC) schemes. Besides technology enablers, early trials will be carried out to help assess viability and performance aspects of the key technology enablers. The 6G Hexa-X project is integral part of European and global research effort to help define the best possible next generation of networks.

No abstract

No abstract

Abstract-5G does not only aim at higher capacity and lower latency than current 4G in mobile broadband networks, but also to increase the level of programmability, control and flexibility to meet the requirements from innovative use cases such as IoT, smart manufacturing, and immersive media. However, several difficulties still need to be overcome for a better technological adoption. To reduce the time-to-market for networked services and to lower the entry barrier to third party developers of VNFs and network services, an integrated development and operations (DevOps) methodology is a promising way. One of the biggest challenges in upcoming 5G DevOps is the validation and verification (V&V) of individual VNFs and network services (VNF graphs) so that operators can be sure of their behavior. In this paper, we propose an NFV architecture that supports the DevOps methodology with a V&V platform and an advanced NFV catalogue. The conceptual components of the V&V platform, the foreseen methodology and the outcomes are explained. Finally, we explore some perspectives in applying such V&V approach in another 5G research project.