Cognitive Software Defined Networking and Network Function Virtualization and Applications

Dear Colleagues,

A major development in computer networking is the emergence of Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV). The goal of SDN is to provide a centralized, programmable control plane that is decoupled from the data plane of network devices, while the goal of NFV is to virtualize network functions (such as network address translation, firewall, and intrusion detection) that are now being implemented by proprietary, dedicated hardware. In future networks, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) will be key technologies to automate network operations and enhance customer experience. AI and ML will help in making intelligent decisions regarding performance guarantees, energy saving, resource optimizations and security. This Issue is dedicated to cognitive software defined networking and network function virtualization. New cognitive techniques enabled by Artificial Intelligence (AI)/Machine Learning (ML) will be a pivoting point for enhancing automation in network operations. In addition, AI can help in decomposing large network functions into micro network functions (e.g., microservices).  Currently, many of the research challenges behind SDN/NFV are or have been widely investigated in several projects all around the globe. AI-based software based networking, autonomic networking, policy-based network management, network slicing, and other related research areas will be key underlying technologies in future networks. This Special Issue seeks contributions from the above area of research.

Dr. Sachin Sharma
Dr. Avishek Nag
Guest Editors

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