Advanced data plane programmability (ADPP) as an underlying technology for network softwarization enhances SDN with more agility and flexibility to meet the requirements of IMT-2020 networks [ITU-T Y.3150]. Via the advanced data plane programmability technology, network operators benefit from a “top-down” design process by defining network processing behaviour in a high level language. In other words, the advanced data plane programmability enables network operators to define specific data plane protocol (including packet formats) and to support extended network functionalities. The advanced data plane programmability leads to flexibility and automation, which lets network operators fully exploit data plane resources to enable their network applications.
This Recommendation specifies the requirements and architecture about advanced data plane programmability for IMT-2020.