Softwarization of Future Networks and Services -Programmable Enabled Networks as Next Generation Software Defined Networks

Abstract

The Software Defined Networks (SDNs) and Network Functions Virtualisation (NFVs), as recent separate research and development trends have the roots in programmable / active network technologies and standards developed a decade ago. In particular, they are associated with the decoupling of forwarding from control and hardware from networking software, using open interfaces to connectivity resources. The next phase of R&D would involve novel integration and use of all connectivity, storage and processing resources under new management interacting with control systems for provisioning of on-demand networking and services with continuous update of features. This brings into focus a relatively new and key topics for the next decade: what and how to create the conditions for effective and continuous updating and changing the networking functions without reinventing each time architectural aspects and related components (e.g. Softwarization of Future Networks and Services or Programmable Enabled Networks). This paper presents motivation, architecture and the key challenges in realising such programmable enabled networks as the next generation Software Defined Networks focusing on its management plane.