Network Virtualization Research Challenges
RFC 8568
Internet Research Task Force (IRTF) CJ. Bernardos
Request for Comments: 8568 UC3M
Category: Informational A. Rahman
ISSN: 2070-1721 InterDigital
JC. Zuniga
SIGFOX
LM. Contreras
TID
P. Aranda
UC3M
P. Lynch
Keysight Technologies
April 2019
Network Virtualization Research Challenges
Abstract
This document describes open research challenges for network
virtualization. Network virtualization is following a similar path
as previously taken by cloud computing. Specifically, cloud
computing popularized migration of computing functions (e.g.,
applications) and storage from local, dedicated, physical resources
to remote virtual functions accessible through the Internet. In a
similar manner, network virtualization is encouraging migration of
networking functions from dedicated physical hardware nodes to a
virtualized pool of resources. However, network virtualization can
be considered to be a more complex problem than cloud computing as it
not only involves virtualization of computing and storage functions
but also involves abstraction of the network itself. This document
describes current research and engineering challenges in network
virtualization including the guarantee of quality of service,
performance improvement, support for multiple domains, network
slicing, service composition, device virtualization, privacy and
security, separation of control concerns, network function placement,
and testing. In addition, some proposals are made for new activities
in the IETF and IRTF that could address some of these challenges.
This document is a product of the Network Function Virtualization
Research Group (NFVRG).
Bernardos, et al. Informational [Page 1]
RFC 8568 Network Virtualization Research Challenges April 2019
Status of This Memo
This document is not an Internet Standards Track specification; it is
published for informational purposes.
This document is a product of the Internet Research Task Force
(IRTF). The IRTF publishes the results of Internet-related research
and development activities. These results might not be suitable for
deployment. This RFC represents the consensus of the Network
Function Virtualization Research Group of the Internet Research Task
Force (IRTF). Documents approved for publication by the IRSG are not
candidates for any level of Internet Standard; see Section 2 of RFC
7841.
Information about the current status of this document, any errata,
and how to provide feedback on it may be obtained at
https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc8568.
Copyright Notice
Copyright (c) 2019 IETF Trust and the persons identified as the
document authors. All rights reserved.
This document is subject to BCP 78 and the IETF Trust's Legal
Provisions Relating to IETF Documents
(https://trustee.ietf.org/license-info) in effect on the date of
publication of this document. Please review these documents
carefully, as they describe your rights and restrictions with respect
to this document.
Bernardos, et al. Informational [Page 2]
RFC 8568 Network Virtualization Research Challenges April 2019
Table of Contents
1. Introduction and Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2. Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3. Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1. Network Function Virtualization . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.2. Software-Defined Networking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.3. ITU-T Functional Architecture of SDN . . . . . . . . . . 13
3.4. Multi-Access Edge Computing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.5. IEEE 802.1CF (OmniRAN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
3.6. Distributed Management Task Force (DMTF) . . . . . . . . 15
3.7. Open-Source Initiatives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
4. Network Virtualization Challenges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.1. Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
4.2. Guaranteeing Quality of Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
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