On network properties for design of virtual overlays

The virtualization of physical infrastructure by designing and embedding overlay networks is becoming still more relevant in order to overcome the challenges in operators´ networks and in the internet as a whole by better utilizing the available resources. In this paper we investigate how a framework for network properties can be used for the enhanced design of overlay networks. The framework includes identification, discovery, combination and exchange of network properties and we describe the importance of and our approach to the framework. We also investigate on three timescales the reactive planning, redesign and optimization of the networks and especially the overlays due to changes in the prerequisites given from technology, the underlying network, services and user behavior.