Network Softwarization and Virtualization in Future Networks: The promise of SDN, NFV, MEC, and Fog/Cloud Computing
Alcardo Alex Barakabitze, Andrew Hines · 2022
Softwarization has been dubbed a crucial characteristic of 5G networking since it shifts network function support from traditional hardware-based solutions to software-based solutions. The Software-Defined Networking (SDN) enables softwarization in next-generation network by decoupling the data plane and control plane. The main building blocks of SDN that are established by the open source software communities include CloudStack, OpenStack, and OpenDaylight driving adoption and promoting innovation. The network virtualization enabled by Network Function Virtualization provides several opportunities in future networks in terms of deployment options, scalability, and agility of the network. Multiaccess Edge Computing moves the computing of traffic and services from a centralized cloud to the edge of the network and closer to the customer. 5G network softwarization is set to facilitate future network management and orchestration of resources from Service Providers to the end users.