5G represents a vision for the next generation of networks and services. It will not only be an evolution of mobile broadband networks offering higher speed but a global infrastructure that will bring unique service capabilities. End-to-end flexibility is one of the key features of 5G networks and this flexibility is achieved through the introduction of software networks technologies. Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software Defined Networking (SDN) are building blocks for 5G networks and services. In particular, NFV represents a large shift in how networks are built, deployed and managed as introduces a virtualization layer and decouples the software from the hardware. The software-based assets then become the innovation and differentiating value, while the hardware becomes commodity. Network service development and lifecycle management are also key aspects for NFV, aiming to facilitate the service rollout and maintenance. Network operators recognize NFV adoption as a necessary investment to be technically ready and competitively positioned for future 5G networks and are willing to face the complex and costly transition with the promise of clear business benefits: Lower CapEx, OpEx reduction, higher flexibility, vendor lock-in relief, service design, deployment and lifecycle improvements, etc. That transition, however, is complex and there are several technical and organizational barriers that come with it that the network operators will have to face: immaturity and complexity of the initial solutions and interoperability between them, integration with legacy systems, radical organizational changes in the way services are developed, deployed and managed, etc. Some of these new challenges introduced require a MANO (Management and Orchestration, layer of the ETSI NFV architecture) solution to tackle the complexity of the NFV transition, as well as enablers of service agility on the development side.
SONATA, Agile Service Development and Orchestration in 5G Virtualized Networks, addresses the significant challenges associated with the development and deployment of the complex services envisioned for 5G networks, targeting both the flexible programmability of software networks and the optimisation of their deployments. The project identifies with the MANO layer of the ETSI architecture, but it is not just focused on the management and operations side of NFV, it also extends deeply into the service creation area. Core objectives included: i) Reduce time to market for networked services, ii) optimise resource utilization and reduce cost of service deployment and operationn and iii) accelerate the adoption of software networks in industry.
