Using the RFC 7575 and Models at Runtime for Enabling Autonomic Networking in SDN

The programmable network architectures that emerged in the last decade have allowed new ways to enable Autonomic Networks. However, there are several open issues to address before making such a possibility into a feasible reality. For instance, defining network goals, translating them into network rules, and granting the correct functioning of the network control loop in a self-adaptive manner are examples of complex tasks required to enable an autonomic networking environment. Fortunately, architectures based on the concept of Models at Runtime (MART) provide ways to overcome such complexity. This paper proposes a MART-based framework – using the RFC 7575 as reference (i.e., definitions and design goals for autonomic networking) – to implement autonomic management into a programmable network. The evaluation shows the proposed framework is suitable for satisfying the functional and performance requirements of a simulated network.