SDN & NFV Developments and Advancements in IoT

Dear Colleagues,

The advent of the software-defined networking (SDN) and network virtualization function (NFV) paradigms have converted conventional communication architectures into a new networking era consisting of multiple benefits, such as global visibility and control, improved network management, and dynamic allocation of network resources. Therefore, this new reality will play a leading role in next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) applications, making it possible to minimize the required computing resources and optimize the entire management operation via the separation of forwarding and control planes. However, despite their functional advantages, both SDN and NFV raise security concerns that could lead to devastating consequences. A characteristic example is a possible single point of failure due to the non-availability of an SDN controller. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and especially deep learning (DL) and federated learning (FL) solutions can enhance the operation and resilience of SDN and NFV architectures.

This Special Issue will cover a wide range of research problems related to SDN and NFV. Researchers are invited to submit novel contributions in, but not limited to, the following topics:

• SDN developments and advancements in IoT;
• SDN/NFV orchestration and integration;
• SDN/NFV-based next-generation IoT solutions;
• Novel architectures for hybrid SDN/NFV systems;
• SDN solutions and frameworks for cybersecurity and privacy;
• SDN/NFV-based security functions and services;
• Distributed hybrid SDN controllers and network slicing;
• FL for anomaly and cyberattack detection;
• Orchestration and automatic configuration of security functions;
• DL and FL for 5G-envisioned IoT applications;
• DL and FL architectures for next-generation IoT;
• Applications of DL and FL to manage NFV;
• Anomaly detection in SDN/NFV networks;
• Applications of AI solutions in cybersecurity and privacy.

Prof. Dr. Panagiotis Sarigiannidis
Dr. Thomas Lagkas
Guest Editors

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