Defining future SDN based network management systems characterization and approach

Software Defined Networking (SDN) brings-in a paradigm shift in the network design, management and control through its disruptive idea of separating the control plane out of the embedded switching systems. This allows better centralization as multiple network elements can be controlled by a single SDN controller. The network management is also expected to be more simplified as the network management system (NMS) can contact the SDN controller instead of multiple network elements. However, the traditional NMS has to undergo certain changes to achieve the above. Initial part of this paper focuses on those challenges and the approaches for mitigating them. Further, beyond the normal functionalities the current NMSs does, SDN opens up wide opportunities in terms of flexibility and programmability. The paper attempts to bring out those innovation possibilities as well. Finally, combining the current and future requirements, this paper defines the characteristics of a futuristic NMS over SDN. Attempt has also been made to weigh those characteristics and define an approach to place them on a functionality map.