Open-Source Network Optimization Software in the Open SDN/NFV Transport Ecosystem

Abstract

Transport ecosystems that combine Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) are characterized by an unprecedented network control and resource dynamicity. Manual optimization is unmanageable. In this context, open systems that manage and orchestrate SDN/NFV-enabled networks offer programming frameworks that abstract the low-level particularities in the data-plane forwarding devices and in the hardware appliances that provide the IT resources. Although these open systems present notable complexity, their programming abstractions promote a client layer where third-party applications can provide different functionalities thus enabling Optimization-as-a-Service (OaaS) business opportunities. In this paper, we cover open-source optimization software initiatives for offline planning and online provisioning and orchestration of SDN/NFV networks. With this goal in mind, we first focus on open software (and framework) initiatives through a set of realistic use cases that require optimization in multi-layer optical transport scenarios and ecosystems that combine transport with IT resources. The importance of a joint optimization of both network and IT domains is emphasized, a new paradigm triggered by SDN/NFV technologies. We discuss the theoretical limits to algorithm performances, and review available open-source frameworks for problem modelling that enable the interaction with solvers. Finally we focus on the Net2Plan open-source network planning tool, a Java-based software that suitably embraces the multiple features required in the optimization of joint transport network and IT resource SDN/NFV ecosystems. Recent works based on Net2Plan are reviewed to illustrate its suitability for rapid algorithm prototyping, and for interaction with SDN/NFV-enabled networks.

The Net2Plan-OpenStack Project: IT Resource Manager for Metropolitan SDN/NFV Ecosystems

“…NFV permits the instantiation of network services, commonly referred as Service Chains (SC), by interconnecting VNFs either located in the same datacenter, or in several data centers across the transport network [2]. Indeed, NFV combined with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) enhances transport ecosystems with numerous optimization opportunities based on open initiatives [3]. For instance, ETSI's Open Source MANO (OSM) is an operator-lead NFV Management and Orchestration framework for NFV placement and life cycle control in datacenters, potentially connected by a transport network [4].…”

Gap Analysis on Open Models for Partially-Disaggregated SDN Optical Transport Environments

“…Software Defined Networking (SDN) principle establishes a logically-centralized SDN controller that exercises direct control of the data-plane elements through SouthBound Interfaces (SBI) and exposes a NorthBound Interface (NBI) to network applications. SDN controllers, through the NBI, open the door to the Optimization-as-a-Service paradigm: third-party applications to perform automatic optimization [1] of the network at different levels. In optical networks, white-box and openness of the SBI, foster disaggregation models [2], which provide cost-reduction opportunities [3].…”

“…At the NBI interface, network planning and optimization applications have been recently presented for IP over WDM resources allocation [1]. However, the applicability of NBI optical planning tools is hindered by the current limitations of the optical device / system models, as they do not expose to the SDN controller through the SBI, and consequently to applications consuming the NBI, a full set of parameters to enable a detailed physical-layer awareness.…”

Planificación y optimización de redes ópticas en el Internet del futuro

“…De nuevo, en el congreso OFC18 se presentó un tutorial invitado en el que el candidato ha participado como coautor. Dicho trabajo trata sobre el papel de la optimización en redes basadas en SDN/NFV [Pavon18], que además sirvió como piedra angular para la expansión publicada en la revista Journal on Lightwave Technology [Garri18a].…”

“…Las publicaciones mas relevantes que se han desarrollado como parte de la te-1.5. Proyectos enmarcados en el desarrollo de la tesis sis dentro del marco del proyecto ONOFRE-2 son: [Moren18a], [Garri18a], [Moren18b] [Moren18d], [Pavon18].…”