An agent-based modeling approach of network migration to new technologies

Conventionally, network migration models study competition between emerging and incumbent technologies by considering the revenue increase and migration cost. We propose to extend the existing network migration models with new critical factors, including (i) synergistic relationships across multiple technologies, (ii) reduction in operation expenditures (OpEx), and, (iii) effect of social factors on human decisions. To this end, we propose a novel agent-based migration model considering these factors. Based on the model, we analyze the case study of optimal path computation with joint migration to two emerging networking paradigms, i.e., IETF Path Computation Element (PCE) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN). Our results demonstrate the synergistic effects of migration to multiple complementary technologies, and shows that a technology migration may be eased by the joint migration to multiple technologies.