Self-Managing Networks Dr. Marcus Brunner Network Laboratories NEC Europe Ltd. Heidelberg, Germany

APNOMS DEP Sept 17, 2003 Why Self-Management Characteristics of Pervasive Computing and Ubiquitous Communications –Many elements of many types –Heterogeneous communication capabilities –Heterogeneous computing capabilities –Various types and sizes of providers (private vs multi- national providers) Problems –Affordability -> Self-Management –Scalability –Ease of use -> Self-Management

APNOMS DEP Sept 17, 2003 Self-Management Concepts (1) Network Composition –Built a network out of the various elements and networks (unified communication facility) –Collaboration and fast setup of networks over various operators –Networks using various fixed and wireless technologies –Vertical as well as horizontal Reconfigurability –Adaptation of networks and services to the current capabilities of the network components –Adaptation of the elements to the current context and environment

APNOMS DEP Sept 17, 2003 Self-Management Concepts (2) Self-Healing (Fault-Management) –Automatic detection, localization, and repair Closed-Loop Control –Mainly used for network optimization –Runs in limited scope (potentially per-element) –Usage of control theory for networking (problem of the number of variables) Self-Configuration –Plug and play –Enable more affordable and simpler deployment (reduction of OPEX)

APNOMS DEP Sept 17, 2003 EU IST Ambient Network Upcomming European Research Project Large number of partners including all major mobile equipment vendors Objectives –An Ambient Network is a pervasive, reliable communication environment hiding the heterogeneous infrastructures, supporting the ever changing needs of users and services. –make the always-best-connected dream an affordable reality for billions of users

APNOMS DEP Sept 17, 2003 Ambient Network Architecture

APNOMS DEP Sept 17, 2003 Ambient Networks Self-Management NE Network Elements M Config Fault Security Perform. FaultConfigPerformSecurity. M NE Mgmt. System Traditional Network Element Mgmt. System Self-Managed NE Peer-to-Peer Management Network Composition Affordability Scalability NE MM (De)Composability NE