A Concept Approach for Network Slicing in Wireless Mesh Disaster Networks

Network Slicing is one of the critical enablers for the upcoming 5G mobile networks. This approach allows the creation of different, separated virtual networks based on the same physical infrastructure. Wireless mesh networks can supply large areas with radio technology-based signals via individual nodes. They are self-organising and self-configuring. This qualifies them to supply larger areas with wireless technology-based communication infrastructure quickly and less complicated. As a result, there are different areas of application for the use of such networks, e.g. restoring communication infrastructure in a disaster area. Applying network slicing within such a wireless mesh network can provide virtual networks adapted to different participants’ needs. To adapt network slicing on wireless mesh networks, different aspects have to be considered: Mapping the virtual connections to the pysical infrastructure, slicing the wireless resources and placing the virtual network functions. This work is about a concept for a Network Slicing approach which provides possible solutions for the first two aspects and and first approaches for the last

Adaptive placement & chaining of virtual network functions with NFV-PEAR

Abstract The design of flexible and efficient mechanisms for proper placement and chaining of virtual network functions (VNFs) is key for the success of Network Function Virtualization (NFV). Most state-of-the-art solutions, however, consider fixed (and immutable) flow processing and bandwidth requirements when placing VNFs in the Network Points of Presence (N-PoPs). This limitation becomes critical in NFV-enabled networks having highly dynamic flow behavior, and in which flow processing requirements and available N-PoP resources change constantly. To bridge this gap, we present NFV-PEAR, a framework for adaptive VNF placement and chaining. In NFV-PEAR, network operators may periodically (re)arrange previously determined placement and chaining of VNFs, with the goal of maintaining acceptable end-to-end flow performance despite fluctuations of flow processing costs and requirements. In parallel, NFV-PEAR seeks to minimize network changes (e.g., reallocation of VNFs or network flows). The results obtained from an analytical and experimental evaluation provide evidence that NFV-PEAR has potential to deliver more stable operation of network services, while significantly reducing the number of network changes required to ensure end-to-end flow performance

Network Function Virtualization Technology Adoption Strategies

Network function virtualization (NFV) is a novel system adopted by service providers and organizations, which has become a critical organizational success factor. Chief information officers (CIOs) aim to adopt NFV to consolidate and optimize network processes unavailable in conventional methods. Grounded in the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI), the purpose of this multiple case research study was to explore strategies chief information officers utilized to adopt NFV technology. Participants include two CIOs, one chief security information officer (CSIO), one chief technical officer (CTO), and two senior information technology (IT) executives. Data were collected through semi-structured telephone interviews and eight organizational documents. Through thematic analysis, four significant themes became apparent: organizational awareness, no hindrances to NFV technology adoption, documentation and implementation plan, and operational costs and efficiency. A key recommendation is for CIOs, CSIOs, CTOs, and senior IT managers to adopt the capability to document globally accepted processes and procedures for seamless adoption of NFV technology. The implications for positive social change include the potential to reduce energy consumption, preserving natural resources, and reducing environmental pollution due to the emission of dangerous gases that cause environmental degradation