Dynamic architecture based on network virtualization and distributed orchestration for management of autonomic network

Abstract

In network management architectures of 5G and IoT networks, standardization groups often consider the network resource virtualization layer between the physical network and the SDN controller, as a means to allow deployment and placement of network services with their virtual network functions. However, the following question arises: is this layer enough to react to real-time changes originating from customers or the network without interrupting the service? We consider that a dynamic architecture should allow different and evolving assemblies to be provisioned during a session, in order to meet modification requests without requiring total redesign of the network service. Therefore, in this study, we propose an enhanced architecture. This novel architecture adds a network virtualization layer above the SDN controller with its associated orchestrator. Then, efficiently distributing orchestration among the different layers ensures network autonomy. In this context, we show how real-time service modifications and network failures are handled without losing the existing services and how network management gains additional dynamicity and flexibility.