3
Smart Edges
The first effect of the Cloud is to centralize the control and the
orchestration system for the new generation of networks. Extreme
solutions where there is only one center surrounded by radiating branches
have been put forward as the solution of the future. For instance, we can
cite the proposal of C-RAN (Cloud–Radio Access Network). However,
many believe that centralizing everything is not the right solution, if only
because of the problems of reliability and latency for real-time controls.
The solution which actually comes into effect will undoubtedly need to
be a compromise, with virtual machines situated at different points in the
architecture. After explaining the different proposed architectural designs,
we shall focus on intelligence in the extremities of the network, and thus
what we call “smart edges”.
3.1. Placement of the controller
Figure 3.1 illustrates the different scenarios for the placement of
the controller in a software network environment.
In Figure 3.1, we see three main scenarios. The first is highly
centralized around an SDN controller. The control data are fed back
automatically to that center. The second solution is to use
intermediary machines at local or regional levels. These machines
could be SBCs (Session Border Controllers) – a term which tends to
be used in operator networks – or NACs (Network Access
Controllers), corresponding to the solution favored by companies. In
Software Networks: Virtualization, SDN, 5G and Security, First Edition. Guy Pujolle.
© ISTE Ltd 2015. Published by ISTE Ltd and John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
www.it-ebooks.info
Smart Edges
The first effect of the Cloud is to centralize the control and the
orchestration system for the new generation of networks. Extreme
solutions where there is only one center surrounded by radiating branches
have been put forward as the solution of the future. For instance, we can
cite the proposal of C-RAN (Cloud–Radio Access Network). However,
many believe that centralizing everything is not the right solution, if only
because of the problems of reliability and latency for real-time controls.
The solution which actually comes into effect will undoubtedly need to
be a compromise, with virtual machines situated at different points in the
architecture. After explaining the different proposed architectural designs,
we shall focus on intelligence in the extremities of the network, and thus
what we call “smart edges”.
3.1. Placement of the controller
Figure 3.1 illustrates the different scenarios for the placement of
the controller in a software network environment.
In Figure 3.1, we see three main scenarios. The first is highly
centralized around an SDN controller. The control data are fed back
automatically to that center. The second solution is to use
intermediary machines at local or regional levels. These machines
could be SBCs (Session Border Controllers) – a term which tends to
be used in operator networks – or NACs (Network Access
Controllers), corresponding to the solution favored by companies. In
Software Networks: Virtualization, SDN, 5G and Security, First Edition. Guy Pujolle.
© ISTE Ltd 2015. Published by ISTE Ltd and John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
www.it-ebooks.info