Low-Cost Deployment Scheme of VNF and PNF in Optical Datacenter Networks

In this paper, we study the problem of network function deployment while user demands are served by both virtualized network functions (VNFs) and physical network functions (PNFs). A hybrid deployment scheme of VNFs and PNFs (HDVP) is proposed. A heuristic algorithm is developed for the HDVP scheme with the aim of minimizing the total cost of VNFs and PNFs. The results show the HDVP scheme achieves lower cost than the conventional only PNFs serving user demands scheme.

Drawing Into Being: Charter Graphics and Their Functions

Prior researchers have identified charter documents as texts that serve an outsize role in stabilizing social reality and mediating work, writing, and network building. While charter documents are typically authoritative and text-only tomes, this article expands the category to include charter graphics, visual texts that serve similarly important genre and network functions. Through retrospective analysis of one charter graphic and its role in a decade-long project by a nonprofit organization, this article demonstrates the potential rhetorical, social, and network functions of charter graphics; distinguishes them from charter documents; and offers suggestions for both practitioners and researchers.

High-performance blockchain system for fast certification of manufacturing data

Integration of blockchain systems into industrial applications show promise in increasing security, trust, and transparency along the value-chain during product and process tracking. However, current solutions suffer performance deficiencies, or often disregard legacy devices still in operation. We propose a blockchain system built upon an IoT architecture that is secure, modular, easily scalable, and deployable for fast certification of manufacturing data, compatible with current industrial landscapes. First, the proposed architecture is presented along with elements required to manage network functions. Second, easing integration with existing manufacturing solutions, custom APIs are created and subsequently explained. This grants the platform plug-and-play capabilities, requiring minimal hardware and software configuration for deployment. Lastly, a prototype is designed to validate the solution, concluding the viability of the proposed architecture as a fast and secure certification method of manufacturing data.

ANALYSIS OF ITU-T AND ITU-R RECOMMENDATIONS ON FIFTH GENERATION COMMUNICATION NETWORKS. PART II

Во II части одноименной статьи,начало которой было опубликовано в сборнике «Труды НИИР», № 3'2021, рассматриваются результаты проводимой в рамках Международного союза электросвязи работы по стандартизации архитектуры сетей связи пятого поколения,а также требования,предъявляемые новыми сервисами и применениями к характеристикам этих сетей. Приводится обзор некоторых ключевых документов МСЭ, прежде всего Рекомендаций МСЭ-Т по требованиям к сетям с учетом дальнейшей виртуализации (софтверизации)многих сетевых функций сетей 5G/IMT-2020. In the second part of the article of the same name, that was published in the collection "Proceedings if the NIIR", No. 3'2021, the results of the work of the International Telecommunication Union to standardize the architecture of fifth-generation communication networks, as well as the requirements imposed by new services and applications to the characteristics of these networks are considered. An overview of some key ITU documents is provided, primarily the ITU-T Recommendations on network requirements, taking into account the further virtualization (softwarization) of many network functions of 5G / IMT-2020 networks.

An SDN-Based Solution for Horizontal Auto-Scaling and Load Balancing of Transparent VNF Clusters

This paper studies the problem of the dynamic scaling and load balancing of transparent virtualized network functions (VNFs). It analyzes different particularities of this problem, such as loop avoidance when performing scaling-out actions, and bidirectional flow affinity. To address this problem, a software-defined networking (SDN)-based solution is implemented consisting of two SDN controllers and two OpenFlow switches (OFSs). In this approach, the SDN controllers run the solution logic (i.e., monitoring, scaling, and load-balancing modules). According to the SDN controllers instructions, the OFSs are responsible for redirecting traffic to and from the VNF clusters (i.e., load-balancing strategy). Several experiments were conducted to validate the feasibility of this proposed solution on a real testbed. Through connectivity tests, not only could end-to-end (E2E) traffic be successfully achieved through the VNF cluster, but the bidirectional flow affinity strategy was also found to perform well because it could simultaneously create flow rules in both switches. Moreover, the selected CPU-based load-balancing method guaranteed an average imbalance below 10% while ensuring that new incoming traffic was redirected to the least loaded instance without requiring packet modification. Additionally, the designed monitoring function was able to detect failures in the set of active members in near real-time and active new instances in less than a minute. Likewise, the proposed auto-scaling module had a quick response to traffic changes. Our solution showed that the use of SDN controllers along with OFS provides great flexibility to implement different load-balancing, scaling, and monitoring strategies.

Added value for sponsors: a study of network in football 2011–2018

PurposeThis study identifies the outcomes prioritised by the sponsors of a sport, specifically football. The authors’ novel thesis is that the network collaboration between sponsors as well as with the sponsorship object (i.e. the football club) is a significant determinant of sponsor satisfaction and the likelihood of renewing the sponsorship deal. This perspective has not been adequately addressed in existing sponsorship research.Design/methodology/approachThe authors use an original dataset to empirically analyse networks and their business value for football sponsors. Our data covers sponsors of the Norwegian football club Rosenborg Ballklub (RBK) from 2011 to 2018, which we analyse using regression models.FindingsThe results indicate that network effects are extremely important for sponsors in the RBK network. The authors’ analyses also indicate that network effects are more important than exposure.Practical implicationsWhen planning, sponsors must analyse their motives for being a sponsor and assess how well their network functions by exploring its cohesiveness and scope. It is also very important that the sponsorship object be aware of the value of the network and enable interaction between the sponsors.Originality/valueThis study confirms that functioning networks contribute to the satisfaction and renewal of sponsorships and can attract a growing number of sponsors for sports clubs, thus serving as an important source of income.