MetroSDX: A resilient edge network for the smart community

Abstract

Smart and connected communities and their associated edge devices are creating new demands on network services. Edge network connectivity is often not resilient to failures, leading to data loss when network devices are isolated by the failure of a single service provider, while other providers are still functional. We propose MetroSDX, a neutral network design that increases the resiliency of edge networks and global and local services, improves isolation of network functions, and preserves data from edge devices when they are disconnected. MetroSDX is a software-defined exchange, a meet-me point for exchanging computing, storage, and networking resources. This work focuses on MetroSDX's approach to location specific resilience and performance in this multi-network paradigm with an eye towards addressing increased demands from the growing set of connected devices and services which will increasingly and inevitably require communication between and across elements connected to multiple networks.