Summary

ITU-T Focus Group on IMT-2020 intensively discussed network softwarization  between theperiod of 2015 and 2016. The group has characterized the network softwarization as an overall transformation trend/approach for designing, implementing, deploying, managing and maintaining network equipment and/or network components by software programming. This approach has widely been embraced by a lot of research projects, open source activities and standardization bodies.

Supplement 44 to ITU-T Y.3100-series Recommendations summarizes existing and emerging activities on network softwarization including standardization and open source activities. The Supplement is based on organizations and projects that may have an impact on ITU-T's network softwarization standards, which are expected to contribute to IMT-2020 (non-radio part). The information is based on the survey during 2015 to 2016 conducted by ITU-T Focus Group on IMT‑2020 and is further updated at the time of publication according to the inputs from ITU-T members.