A two-dimensional architecture for end-to-end resource management in virtual network environments

In recent years, various network virtualization techniques have been proposed for flexibly supporting heterogeneous services over virtual network platforms. However, systematic views on how virtual network resources (VNRs) can be practically managed in such open environments has been missing till now. To fill the gap, we present in this article a two-dimensional architecture for end-to-end VNR management from distinct viewpoints of service providers and network providers. The horizontal dimension of VNR management allows SPs to bind VNRs rented from heterogeneous NPs to form unified end-to-end service delivery platforms. The vertical dimension of VNR management enables NPs to perform cost-efficient allocation of VNRs to requesting SPs, but without necessarily forcing themselves to collaborate with each other. Such a VNR management architecture will complement existing network virtualization platforms in accelerating the realization of virtual resource sharing in the future Internet business marketplaces.