Two key documents on AIM and disaggregation published, with more specifications close to fruition for SDN/NFV

Two key documents on AIM and disaggregation published, with more specifications close to fruition for SDN/NFV

Target: The SDN/NFV Work Area focuses on the introduction of Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) in conjunction with general purpose hardware to create the basis for cloud-based, edge, and access networks. Building on this framework, the Work Area addresses migration and coexistence of physical and virtual elements, into the broadband network, define interfaces, test cases, use cases and scenarios, reference implementations, and automation.

Progress: The main focus is CloudCO interfaces, disaggregated OLT, and Automated Intelligence Management and Data Collection.

Outcomes: TR-477 ‘Cloud CO Enhancement – Access Node Functional Disaggregation’ and TR-486 ‘Interfaces for AIM’ were published. WT-386 Issue 2 ‘Fixed Access Network Sharing’ has progressed to Final Ballot.

Work continued on WT-403 Amendment 1 ‘PON Abstraction Interface for Time-Critical Applications’, WT-384 Issue 2 ‘CloudCO 2.0’, WT-436 Issue 2 ‘AIM Framework and Architecture’, and WT-508 ‘Broadband Network Data Collection (BNDC)’.

A proposal was approved to restructure the chapter 5 on Disaggregation of WT-384 Issue 2 ‘Cloud Central Office Reference Architectural Framework’. There was also a multi-company proposal to restructure WT-413 Issue 2 ‘SDN Management and Control Interfaces for CloudCO Network Functions’, where there are still gaps on Edge element and on Disaggregated BNG before going to Straw Ballot.

On the Artificial Intelligence and automation fronts, a proposal was submitted to enhance the entire document on architectural framework with multiple revisions and multiple proposals on architecture for data collection.

The Tiger Team on CloudCO interfaces (WT-411i2/WT-454i2) continues its activities on topology and network resource management for inventory by deciding to use RFC8345 for topology and the activities are ongoing in IETF IVY WG for resource management.

On Smart SD-WAN, there was a proposal submitted to review the architecture reported in WT-495 and to align it with CloudCO architecture.

More information about the SDN/NFV Work Area can be found at: https://wiki.broadband-forum.org/display/BBF/SDN+and+NFV.