Page 104 - 5G Basics - Core Network Aspects

1 Core network aspects

II.2 Case 2: Experiments on the feasibility of new network architectures [b-GENI GDD0608]

II.2.1 Use case
– Overview
• A test-bed network provides a part of its resources as an LINP to researchers developing new
networking technologies. The researchers perform experiments to verify those technologies on
the LINP.
– Motivation
• Verifying the feasibility of new network technologies in large-scale experimental networks or
test-beds is vital to foster innovations in network architectures. Multiple user experiments can
be performed concurrently on a single experimental network using network virtualization
technologies. Existing test-bed networks do not allow users to customize network node
function (e.g., protocols) or configurations (e.g., network topologies and forwarding tables).
Researchers are able to fully customize the provided LINP and utilize the complete network
environment as if the network is exclusively occupied by the user experiment. Thus,
experiments over such a network will discover findings and observations that could not be
obtained by emulation or simulation-based experiments.
– Usage
• Network virtualization allows multiple LINPs on the single test-bed network and each of the
LINPs is fully programmable in terms of network architecture, control, and management,
independently of other LINPs. Thus, researchers can perform experiments to demonstrate their
new ideas efficiently and effectively by constructing their own LINP satisfying their experimental
requirements.
II.2.2 Current status of technology

There are on-going network virtualization test-bed networks based on an open standard like OpenFlow [b-
McKeown] and vendor-specific technologies like a logical router [b-JUNOS]. OpenFlow allows running of
experimental protocols in programmable flow switches, while the logical router allows running of multiple IP
protocol instances on a router.

II.3 Case 3: mobility in virtualized network

II.3.1 Use case
– Who?
• Network service provider (NSP) who provides network access by providing direct backbone
access to the Internet.
– To whom?
• NSPs and end users
– Why?
• In order to provide continuous service and connection to the end users, an LINP requires
support of the dynamic movement of virtual resources, services, and capabilities among the
LINPs
– What?
• A change of the attachment point from one LINP to another by the end users calls for dynamic
movement of each service and virtual resource of the LINP. From this perspective, flexible
virtual resource allocation to any LINP, continuous and automatic optimization for LINPs and
seamless movement, such as predictive LINP movement before underperforming networks or
failures between LINPs, should be supported.

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