Transport-Layer Limitations for NFV Orchestration in Resource-Constrained Aerial Networks

Abstract

In this paper, we identify the main challenges and problems related with the management and orchestration of Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) over aerial networks built with Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (SUAVs). Our analysis starts from a reference scenario, where several SUAVs are deployed over a delimited geographic area, and provide a mobile cloud environment that supports the deployment of functions and services using Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) technologies. After analyzing the main challenges to NFV orchestration in this reference scenario from a theoretical perspective, we undertake the study of one specific but relevant aspect following a practical perspective, i.e., the limitations of existing transport-layer solutions to support the dissemination of NFV management and orchestration information in the considered scenario. While in traditional cloud computing environments this traffic is delivered using TCP, our simulation results suggest that using this protocol over an aerial network of SUAVs presents certain limitations. Finally, based on the lessons learned from our practical analysis, the paper outlines different alternatives that could be followed to address these challenges.

Cellular and Virtualization Technologies for UAVs: An Experimental Perspective

“…Although the prospect of this combination is promising, some other works have explored the possible limitations of such technologies over aerial networks, where the connectivity is intermittently available due to both the nature of the communications being performed (i.e., the unreliability of wireless communications) and UAVs battery dependency, whose constant depletion (and subsequent exchange) can disrupt the links established between them. In our previous work [ 30 ], we analyzed the different issues that NFV Management and Orchestration (MANO) platforms might face in resource-constrained aerial networks, showcasing that popular solutions like Openstack (Open Source Cloud Computing Infrastructure: (accessed on 27 April 2020)) might not be an optimal solution for these networks due to its high technical requirements, transport-layer limitations and its centralized approach for the management communications. Openstack is an Open Source cloud operating system in charge of managing the computational, networking and storage resources from an NFV infrastructure for the deployment of VNFs, i.e., it is a Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM).…”

Enhanced Remote Areas Communications: The Missing Scenario for 5G and Beyond 5G Networks

“…The results served as a first step to demonstrate the practical feasibility of using NFV and resource constrained devices to support voice and data connectivity over long distances. Motivated by these results, and considering the lessons learned from this work, in [68] the authors conducted a theoretical analysis of the main challenges and hurdles to NFV operations in resource constrained environments, with a main focus on the transport protocol options above the network layer.…”

Security Orchestration and Enforcement in NFV/SDN-Aware UAV Deployments

“…However, even though there are multiple works related to NFV, SDN, orchestration, security, and dynamic virtual deployments in mobile nodes, little attention has been given to the holistic coordinated usage of prior concepts when it comes to the security management and orchestration in UAVs. Regarding NFV deployments on aerial devices, in [6] [7] [8] authors propose a solution on where lightweight VNFs are deployed on UAVs.…”

“…MEC-UAVs could allow elastic provisioning of security appliances to counter cyberattacks and threats, depending on the context, offering self-protection and resiliency capabilities on the managed systems and networks. Nonetheless, despite the existence of some initial works that onboard MEC-nodes in aerial vehicles [6] [7] [8] while leveraging SDN/NFV to focus on network management and control aspects there is a lack of security management work in the field.…”