IEEE 802.1X Virtual Network Function Development for NG-PON Architecture

The Open Broadband - Broadband Access Abstraction (OB-BAA) architecture aims to modernize the information technology components of broadband networks, more specif-ically the Central Offices (CO). CO stands out for being a vital aggregator of different access networks, such as optical, mobile, and cabled networks, benefiting from the paradigm of Software-Defined Networks (SDN). This paper aims to discuss the development of a virtualized network function (VNF) for network security to be integrated as a component of an OB-BAA architecture guided by an SDN controller. In particular, the IEEE 802.1X protocol is applied in a broadband NG-PON architecture for authentication and authorization of network equipment. The developed components were containerized and inserted in the Docker and Kubernetes virtualization frameworks. The proof-of-concept evaluates performance metrics, namely computational resource utilization and execution time of VNF processes, in usage tests with multiple supplicants and distinct operational modes, to attest to the most promising virtualization scenarios.