The Future of Network Softwarization: A Network Function Virtualization Approach

Dear Colleagues,

Network function virtualization (NFV) along with service function chaining (SFC) have played a significant role in softwarizing the network infrastructure. In particular, both technologies have revolutionized the way network functions and services are offered, promoting significant agility and cost reductions.

Even though NFV solutions have been extensively used and analyzed regarding cloud- and enterprise-based scenarios, new requirements, constraints, and opportunities arise from the advent of new technologies such as Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G. The key ingredient to the success story of IoT and 5G will be the softwarization of network infrastructure, rendering NFV one of the foundation components of this network evolution.

To this end, this Special Issue is soliciting conceptual, theoretical, and experimental contributions to a set of currently unresolved challenges in the area of IoT and 5G-aware NFV platforms. The topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• End-to-end service function chaining;
• Resource allocation for an IoT/edge/cloud interplay;
• Management and orchestration in an end-to-end NFV deployment solution;
• Network slicing for 5G;
• Security assurance in IoT and 5G through NFV;
• Performance analysis of different virtualized network function (VNF) deployments (VMs, containers, micro-VMs) and their suitability in IoT and 5G platforms;
• Impact of IoT and 5G traffic behavior in the performance of NFV;
• Energy-sustained development and NFV;
• Testbeds and experimental facilities reports;
• Business and techno-economic opportunities.

Dr. Aris Leivadeas
Guest Editor

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