[nvrg-bof] What is Network Virtualization?

["Martin Stiemerling" <Stiemerling at nw.neclab.eu>]

Hi all,

It has been quite silent on the NVRG list for a while. Sorry for that. 

I have been stepping back a bit and considered what network virtualization actually might be. 

So is there the first attempt to get some discussions started. 

Apparently there are different camps in the area of network virtualization (at least from my recent experience):
a) network virtualization in test beds (GENI, parts of 4WARD, Akari, etc)
b) network virtualization for the Internet (parts of 4WARD, my own idea, etc)
c) existing parts, for instance, l*vpn in the IETF and virtual router support in existing devices.

For each of the above, different meanings of what network virtualization is, might apply. The least common dominator between all of them is, that they want to reuse an existing resouce (e.g., host, router, link, switch, virtual network) for multiple "usages". For a) the usage is running multiple experiements on the same infrastructure while b) envisions running multiple Internet-technologies on the same global infrastructure. c) is, at least to my understanding, not aiming at a complete set of infrastructure, but targeting specific virtualization needs (e.g., VLAN on ethernet). 

Ok, I could keep on writing here, but I would like to hear other people's opinions first.

Cheers,

  Martin

Any thoughts?

Regards,

  Martin

stiemerling at nw.neclab.eu

NEC Laboratories Europe - Network Research Division
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