Accelerating Platform Deployments in the Cloud: A Qualitative Assessment Based on CORD

Influenced by the success of cloudification of Information Technology (IT) services, 5th Generation (5G) networks are also expected to leverage the benefits of virtualization and network programmability. Doing so will provide the necessary level of automation and flexibility to meet the stringent requirements of 5G services. Multiple orchestration platforms, tailored towards Telco cloud-based deployments, have been released (e.g., CORD, OSM, OPFNV), which facilitate the integration of virtualization and network programmability. However, these platforms are complex software stacks, making their deployment a time-consuming and sometimes challenging task. This paper presents an investigation of possible deployment best practices using the CORD platform as a use-case. The results show a considerable reduction in deployment time (approximately 67%), without an increase in the complexity of the deployment process. Moreover, this paper includes a list of “lessons-learned” from using the CORD platform. These lessons will hopefully help improve future releases of CORD (and similar Telco cloud platforms).