Telecommunication management; Study on network management of virtualized networks
The present document studies the network management of virtualized 3GPP specified core networks based on the architectural framework in ETSI GS NFV-MAN 001 [2]. It studies the network management of mobile networks that include virtualized core networks functions.
It also identifies the potential impacts on the existing 3GPP management architecture and to propose potential solutions for the network management of fully virtualized networks and mixed networks.
The objectives of this study are:
- Study the use cases and concepts for the network management of virtualized networks, which are applicable to 3GPP, taking into account the relevant use cases from ETSI.
- Analyse and classify the network management scenarios when all instances of 3GPP-defined network elements in a subsystem/domain are virtualized according to the architectural framework in ETSI GS NFV-MAN 001 [2] (i.e. in fully virtualized networks).
- Identify the requirements for potential solutions for the network management of virtualized networks when all instances of 3GPP-defined network elements in a subsystem/domain are virtualized according to the architectural framework in ETSI GS NFV-MAN 001 [2] (i.e. in fully virtualized networks).
- Analyse and classify the network management scenarios when some instances of 3GPP-defined network elements in a subsystem/domain are virtualized according to the architectural framework in ETSI GS NFV-MAN 001 [2] (i.e. in mixed networks).
- Identify the requirements for potential solutions for the network management of virtualized networks when some instances of 3GPP-defined network elements in a subsystem/domain are virtualized according to the architectural framework in ETSI GS NFV-MAN 001 [2] (i.e. in mixed networks). Study whether or not a single management system for mixed networks is required.
- Identify the potential impacts on the existing 3GPP Management reference model.
- Analyse the existing 3GPP Management reference model, interfaces, protocols and procedures to determine what can be re-used, adapted or extended and whether new IRPs are needed for network management of virtualized networks.
- Propose enhancements or extensions to the 3GPP Management reference model, if an impact is foreseen.
- If needed, solution(s) for a single management system for mixed networks should be studied.
- Provide recommendations for the standardization of the network management of fully virtualized networks and mixed networks, based on the result of the analysis and the potentially identified impacts, enhancements or extensions.