Open virtual playground: Initial architecture and results

Network virtualization is a promising and technically challenging concept, which enables the dynamic creation of several co-existing logical network instances (or virtual networks) over a shared physical network infrastructure. There are several motivations behind this concept, including: cost-effective sharing of resources; customizable networking solutions; and the convergence of existing network infrastructures. We have previously proposed a new business model for virtual networking environments. In this paper, we use this model as well as concrete use cases as basis for the definition of the Open Virtual Playground - an open virtual multi-services networking architecture in which different levels of services (i.e. essential services, service enablers, service building blocks, and end-user services) offered by various players, can be dynamically discovered, used, and composed. Furthermore, a QoS-enabled VoIP service scenario is used to demonstrate the system operation and preliminary performance measurements are collected.