Large-scale Experimentation with Network Abstraction for Network Configuration Management

Configuration management of large scale networks is a complicated business. This is especially the case for Converged Network Operators (CNOPs). Here, networks are a mix of fixed and wireless access, MAN and backbone networks, as well as interchanges with other operators.The Recursive InterNetworking Architecture (RINA) offers a number of abstractions and claims that their application will simplify not only network operations but also their management. In the H2020 project ARCFIRE we have taken these abstraction, built a Distributed Management System (DMS), developed a configuration management strategy, and tested all aspects against a set of important Key Performance Indicators (KPIs). We examined the performance of node and network creation, validation of a configuration, complexity of the developed software, and capabilities to automate configuration management tasks. This paper provides an introduction to our work, including a discussion of our (aggregated) test results.