Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

Symeon Papavassiliou

doi:10.3390/fi12010007

Abstract

The role of Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) have been instrumental in realizing the transition and vision “from black boxes to a white box towards facilitating 5G network architectures”. Though significant research results and several deployments have occurred and realized over the last few years focusing on the NFV and SDN technologies, several issues—both of theoretical and practical importance—remain still open. Accordingly, the papers of this special issue are significant contributions samples within the general ecosystem highlighted above, ranging from SDN and NFV architectures and implementations, to SDN-NFV integration and orchestration approaches, while considering issues associated with optimization, network management and security aspects. In particular, a total of nine excellent articles (one review and eight original research articles) have been accepted, following a rigorous review process, and addressing many of the aforementioned challenges and beyond.

Highlights

Generation communication networks are expected to be implemented on virtualized infrastructures where network functions are deployed on virtual machines instead of current proprietary equipment
The papers of this special issue are significant contributions samples within the general ecosystem highlighted above, ranging from Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) architectures and implementations, to SDN-NFV integration and orchestration approaches, while considering issues associated with optimization, network management and security aspects
Moving away from an architecture that is based on a multitude of black boxes that are equipped with specialized network hardware and pre-loaded with specialized software to a new architecture consisting of a “white box” running a multitude of specialized network software appears to be the dominant choice and the direction in current and future communication and computing infrastructures

Summary

Introduction

Generation communication networks are expected to be implemented on virtualized infrastructures where network functions are deployed on virtual machines instead of current proprietary equipment. The papers of this special issue are significant contributions samples within the general ecosystem highlighted above, ranging from SDN and NFV architectures and implementations, to SDN-NFV integration and orchestration approaches, while considering issues associated with optimization, network management and security aspects.

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Conclusion