Sdn Orchestration Layer Implementation Considerations

Parts I and II of this four paper series detailed how software-defined networking (SDN) and a complementary initiative, network functions virtualization (NFV), are enabling a more flexible networking architecture compared to traditional approaches that use fixed-function network elements. They also described the high-level hardware and software requirements for the SDN four architectural layers,1 and the available Intel reference designs and tools that can help reduce development time. This paper, Part III, focuses on the orchestration layer and its need for enhanced awareness of platform capabilities, including devices such as acceleration engines, attached to node platforms via PCI Express* interfaces. After reading the paper, one will be able to describe ways OpenStack* is evolving to more fully utilize node platform capabilities, leading to increased NFV performance.