IP-centric control and management of optical transport networks

Previous techniques for the management and control of optical transport networks are proving inadequate in today's rapidly evolving multivendor environments. This article examines the issues and challenges involved in developing a standardized optical network control plane. The control of optical transport networks is decomposed into provisioning models, a circuit provisioning process based on signaling, a neighbor and service discovery process, and a topology and resource discovery process. Unique properties and challenges of optical transport networks are explained in the context of these functions     

Middleware Architecture for Next Generation Heterogeneous Networks

In this paper we present a framework, called Futon, which provides a platform to integrate heterogeneous radio access networks. Futon is a hybrid fibre-radio network that replaces legacy base stations with simple remote antenna units, which are connected to a central unit. As a part of the Futon framework, a generic middleware architecture is discussed in detail, which provides interoperability, cooperative management and service provisioning to both underlying radio access networks (RANs) and IP layer for a heterogeneous network scenario. One of the middleware??s functionality is to provide vertical handover between heterogeneous IP-based radio access technologies and to ensure seamless mobility and service continuity, which is implemented on top of an IPv4/IPv6 Mobile IP (MIP) core. In this paper, the Futon framework and a generic middleware architecture as a part of Futon framework for heterogeneous RANs is discussed. The main modules of the middleware, namely common radio resource management (CRRM), media independent handover, Service/Connection Manager and link selection are explained in detail. Radio over fibre (RoF) Manager is an important part of Central unit, which does performance, fault and security management of network elements. RoF manager helps middleware during handoff, by providing the status of fibre optic links. The implementation of Security management module as a part of RoF manager, and results of authentication with AAA protocol are explained. The CRRM as part of middleware is simulated and the results of experimental evaluation are presented.     

Issues in designing middleware for wireless sensor networks

Wireless sensor networks are being developed for a variety of applications. With the continuing advances in network and application design, appropriate middleware is needed to provide both standardized and portable system abstractions, and the capability to support and coordinate concurrent applications on sensor networks. In this article, we first identify several design principles for such middleware. These principles motivate a cluster-based lightweight middleware framework that separates application semantics from the underlying hardware, operating system, and network infrastructure. We propose a layered architecture for each cluster that consists of a cluster control layer and a resource management layer. Key design issues and related challenges within this framework that deserve further investigation are outlined. Finally, we discuss a technique for energy-efficient resource allocation in a single-hop cluster, which serves as a basic primitive for the development of the resource management layer.     

The network paradigm of the 21st century and its key technologies

This article proposes a network paradigm called the single-server-view network as the basis for networks in the 21st century, when the value of a network to users will be based on the services provided rather than data communication capability. Based on our paradigm, we propose a double-plane network architecture, consisting of a simplified data forwarding plane and a service control plane, that performs all the complex processing tasks. The data forwarding plane uses an advanced photonic network as its basis. The service control plane consists of agent, service, and policy control layers with open interfaces between layers. Leading-edge information processing technologies, such as active node, agent, distributed processing, and policy-based management, are used in this plane. Since mobile communication is becoming a major access technology, an approach to integrating mobile and fixed networks into this framework is also proposed. The current status of key technologies, such as photonic networks, agent technology, and policy-based management, are reported.     

Gain scheduler middleware: a methodology to enable existing controllers for networked control and teleoperation-part II: teleoperation

This paper is the second of two companion papers. The foundation for the external gain scheduling approach to enable an existing controller via middleware for networked control with a case study on a proportional-integral (PI) controller for dc motor speed control over IP networks was given in Part I. Part II extends the concepts and methods of the middleware called gain scheduler middleware (GSM) in Part I to enable an existing controller for mobile robot path-tracking teleoperation. By identifying network traffic conditions in real-time, the GSM will predict the future tracking performance. If the predicted tracking performance tends to be degraded over a certain tolerance due to network delays, the GSM will modify the path-tracking controller output with respect to the current traffic conditions. The path-tracking controller output is modified so that the robot will move with the fastest possible speed, while the tracking performance is maintained in a certain tolerance. Simulation and experimental results on a mobile robot path-tracking platform show that the GSM approach can significantly maintain the robot path-tracking performance with the existence of IP network delays.     

IP over optical networks: architectural aspects

The Internet transport infrastructure is moving toward a model of high-speed routers interconnected by intelligent optical core networks. A consensus is emerging in the industry on utilizing an IP-centric control plane within optical networks to support dynamic provisioning and restoration of lightpaths. At the same time, there are divergent views on how IP routers must interact with optical core networks to achieve end-to-end connectivity. This article describes the architectural alternatives for interconnecting IP routers over optical networks, considering the routing and signaling issues. Also, the application of IP-based protocols for dynamic provisioning and restoration of lightpaths, as well as the interworking of multivendor optical networks is described     

Capacity and performance analysis of signaling networks inmultivendor environments

The load of common channel signaling networks is being increased through the introduction of new services such as supplementary services or mobile communication services. This may lead to a performance degradation of the signaling network, which affects both the quality of the new services and of the services already offered by the network. In the paper, a generic modeling methodology for the signaling load and the signaling network performance as a result of the various communication services is extended in order to include certain implementation-dependent particularities. The models are obtained by considering the protocol functions of Signaling System No. 7 as specified by the CCITT, as well as the information flows through these functions. With this approach, virtual processor models are derived which can be mapped onto particular implementations. This allows the analysis of signaling networks in a multivendor environment. Using these principles, a signaling network planning tool concept has been developed which provides the distinct loading of hardware and software signaling network resources, and on which hierarchical performance analysis and planning procedures are based. This allows to support the planning of signaling networks according to given service, load, and grade-of-service figures. A simple case study outlines the application of the tool concept to a network supporting Freephone, Credit Card, and ISDN voice services     

DYNAMO: A Cross-Layer Framework for End-to-End QoS and Energy Optimization in Mobile Handheld Devices

In this paper, we present the design and implementation of a cross-layer framework for evaluating power and performance tradeoffs for video streaming to mobile handheld systems. We utilize a distributed middleware layer to perform joint adaptations at all levels of system hierarchy - applications, middleware, OS, network and hardware for optimized performance and energy benefits. Our framework utilizes an intermediate server in close proximity of the mobile device to perform end-to-end adaptations such as admission control, intelligent network transmission and dynamic video transcoding. The knowledge of these adaptations are then used to drive "on-device" adaptations, which include CPU voltage scaling through OS based soft realtime scheduling, LCD backlight intensity adaptation and network card power management. We first present and evaluate each of these adaptations individually and subsequently report the performance of the joint adaptations. We have implemented our cross-layer framework (called DYNAMO) and evaluated it on Compaq iPaq running Linux using streaming video applications. Our experimental results show that such joint adaptations can result in energy savings as high as 54% over the case where no optimization are used while substantially enhancing the user experience on hand-held systems.     

Pluggable SDN framework for managing heterogeneous SDN networks

Software‐defined networking (SDN) is a new network paradigm that is separating the data plane and the control plane of the network, making one or more centralized controllers to supervise the behaviour of the entire network. Different types of SDN controller software exist, and research dealing with the difficulties of consistently integrating these different controller types has mostly been declared future work. In this paper, the Domino framework is proposed, a pluggable SDN framework for managing heterogeneous SDN networks. In contrast to related work, the proposed framework allows research into SDN networks controlled by different types of SDN controllers attempting to standardize the northbound API of them. Domino implements a microservice plugin architecture where users can link different SDN networks to a processing algorithm. Such an algorithm allows for, eg, adapting the flows by building a pipeline using plugins that either invoke other SDN operations or generic data processing algorithms. The Domino framework is evaluated by implementing a proof‐of‐concept implementation, which is tested on the initial requirements. It achieves the modifiability and the interoperability with an average successful exchange ratio of 99.99%. The performance requirements are met for the frequently used commands with an average response time of 0.26 seconds, and the framework can handle at least 72 plugins simultaneously depending on the available amount of RAM. The proposed framework is evaluated by means of the implementation of a shortest path routing algorithm between heterogeneous SDN networks.     

Scalability and performance of an agent‐based network management middleware

Rapid growth of computer network sizes and uses necessitate analysis of network application middleware in terms of its scalability as well as performance. In this paper we analyze a distributed network management middleware based on agents that can be dispatched to locations where they can execute close to the managed nodes. The described middleware operates between the network protocol layer and the application layer and uses standard TCP protocol and SNMP probes to interface the network. By aggregating requests from many users into a single agent, our system allows multiple managers to probe problem areas with minimal management traffic overhead. We discuss and quantify the benefits of the described middleware by implementing real‐time network managers using our system. The main result of this paper is a comparison of scalability and efficiency of our agent‐based management middleware and traditional SNMP‐based data collection. To this end, we measured traffic in both real and simulated networks. In the latter case, we designed, used and described here a method of separating simulated application flow into separate subflows to simplify design of simulations. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gain scheduler middleware: a methodology to enable existing controllers for networked control and teleoperation - part I: networked control

Conventionally, in order to control an application over a data network, a specific networked control or teleoperation algorithm to compensate network delay effects is usually required for controller design. Therefore, an existing controller has to be redesigned or replaced by a new controller system. This replacement process is usually costly, inconvenient, and time consuming. In this paper, a novel methodology to enable existing controllers for networked control and teleoperation by middleware is introduced. The proposed methodology uses middleware to modify the output of an existing controller based on a gain scheduling algorithm with respect to the current network traffic conditions. Since the existing controller can still be utilized, this approach could save much time and investment cost. Two examples of the middleware applied for networked control and teleoperation with IP network delays are given in these two companion papers. Part I of these two companion papers introduces the concept of the proposed middleware approach. Formulation, delay modeling, and optimal gain finding based on a cost function for a case study on DC motor speed control with a proportional-integral (PI) controller are also described. Simulation results of the PI controller shows that, with the existence of IP network delays, the middleware can effectively maintain the networked control system performance and stabilize the system. Part II of this paper will cover the use of the proposed middleware concept for a mobile robot teleoperation.     

The OSI network management model

Management systems are responsible for monitoring, interpreting, and controlling network operations. Management platform workstations query device data, or obtain event modifications through management protocols. The management platform supports tools to display the data graphically, interpret it, and control operations. It is argued that the main challenge of management standardization is to develop conventions to support integrated management of heterogeneous networks. Platform-centered management requires a few standards. First, access by platforms to multivendor devices must be unified through a standard management protocol. Second, the structure of the agent's management databases, manipulated by the protocol, must be standardized. Together, these standards permit a platform to access and manipulate managed information at multivendor device agents. The OSI and Internet management models developed to standardize both areas are discussed     

M-architecture: a structural model of traffic managementand control in broadband ISDNs

A model of multiservice network architecture (M-architecture) is presented. An attempt is made to describe the traffic management and control schemes in a systematic way. The basic concepts are developed, and examples are given that indicate how the proposed framework can be used to solve multiplexing, routing, and flow control problems in the ISDN. The emphasis is on the traffic control schemes. The M-architecture can be regarded as either a reference architecture for future multiservice networks or an abstract model of traffic management and control in currently used networks     

Achieving Network Availability in a Multilayered Protocol Environment

The software/hardware is available now to quickly construct very large networks. These networks contain various layers of connectivity with the possibility of different vendors providing each layer. Each layer may have its own means of operator management and control. The growth of these networks is starting to outstrip the ability of network operators to effectively recognize and attack problems. Future networking with independent microcomputers provide even fewer tools for network support personnel. What should network management software provide the operator in a multilayered multivendor environment, and what role do network protocols play in solving the problems they created? The author will he expressing his own opinion based on his experience with a large IBM SNA network (28 hosts) connected through a privately owned X.25 network.     

An architectural framework for support of quality of service in packet networks

This article gives an overview of the effort underway in ITU-T SG 13 on an architectural framework for QoS support in packet networks, with a focus on IP. Provisionally named Y.qosar, the framework is to be published as a new ITU-T Recommendation. At the center of the architectural framework is a set of QoS network mechanisms distributed across three logical planes (the control, data, and management planes) to control network performance. Ultimately the network mechanisms are to be used in combination to deliver the satisfactory collective effect of service performance. The article also provides pointers to standards efforts dealing with specific QoS network mechanisms.     

Projecting advanced enterprise network and service management toactive networks

Active networks is a promising technology that allows us to control the behavior of network nodes by programming them to perform advanced operations and computations. Active networks are changing considerably the scenery of computer networks and, consequently, affect the way network management is conducted. Current management techniques can be enhanced and their efficiency can be improved, while novel techniques can be deployed. This article discusses the impact of active networks on current network management practice by examining network management through the functional areas of fault, configuration, accounting, performance and security management. For each one of these functional areas, the limitations of the current applications and tools are presented, as well as how these limitations can be overcome by exploiting active networks. To illustrate the presented framework, several applications are examined. The contribution of this work is to analyze, classify, and assess the various models proposed in this area, and to outline new research directions     

Layer 1 Virtual Private Networks in Multidomain Next-Generation Networks

High-capacity e-science and consumer applications require transport networks that are dynamically provisioned. Rapid advances in next-generation SONET/SPH and optical switching along with GMPLS control have enabled many new services' provisioning capabilities. In particular, a key paradigm is the new layer 1 virtual private network framework, which allows clients to directly provision their own services without deploying expensive infrastructures. This article presents an overview of L1-VPN and describes a resource management scheme that will enable transport network virtualization across a multidomain network infrastructure. The scheme is implemented in both centralized and distributed control frameworks, and allows for dynamic sharing of transport resources. A case study of performance analysis results is presented showing a distributed control plane in a multidomain network architecture achieving higher VPN carrying capacity than a centralized control plane     

Collaborative and Cognitive Network Platforms: Vision and Research Challenges

In this paper, we present a visionary concept referred to as Collaborative and Cognitive Network Platforms (CCNPs) as a future-proof solution for creating a dependable, self-organizing and self-managing communication substrate for effective ICT solutions to societal problems. CCNP creates a cooperative communication platform to support critical services across a range of business sectors. CCNP is based on the personal network (PN) technology which is an inherently cooperative environment prototyped in the Dutch Freeband PNP2008 and the European Union IST MAGNET projects. In CCNP, the cognitive control plane strives to exploit the resources to better satisfy the requirements of networked applications. CCNP facilitates collaboration inherently. Through cognition in the cognitive control plane, CCNP becomes a self-managed substrate. The self-managed substrate, in this paper, is defined as cognitive and collaborative middleware on which future applications run without user intervention. Endemic sensor networks may be incorporated into the CCNP concept to feed its cognitive control plane. In this paper, we present the CCNP concept and discuss the research challenges related to collaboration and cognition.     

VNF-Consensus: A virtual network function for maintaining a consistent distributed software-defined network control plane

Software-defined networks (SDN) usually rely on a centralized controller, which has limited availability and scalability by definition. Although a solution is to employ a distributed control plane, the main issue with this approach is how to maintain the consistency among multiple controllers. Consistency should be achieved with as low impact on network performance as possible and should be transparent for controllers, without requiring any change of the SDN protocols. In this work, we propose VNF-Consensus, a virtual network function that implements Paxos to ensure strong consistency among controllers of a distributed control plane. In our solution, controllers can perform their control plane activities without having to execute the expensive tasks required to keep consistency. Experimental results are presented showing the cost and benefits of the proposed solution, in particular in terms of low controller overhead.     

A middleware architecture supporting seamless and secure multimedia services across an intertechnology radio access network - seamless content delivery in the future mobile internet

This article presents a middleware architecture to support multimedia services across intertechnology radio access networks in a secure and seamless manner. The proposed architecture uses the media-independent handover framework, where the handover decision function is based on triggering/collecting statistics from the physical, network, and application layers so that an ongoing multimedia session (video) can be transferred seamlessly and securely (using context transfer) across intertechnology radio access networks. Simulation results show that when a vertical handover is based on the proposed MIH framework (including the context transfer of AAA information), handover latency is reduced by 38 percent during WiFi to UMTS handover and 20 percent during UMTS to WiFi handover compared to a non-MIH-based handover scheme.