Cloud Definable Networking
For the purpose of high reliability and short delay of the end-to-end, it is necessary to optimize and evolve the existing network architecture and the functional configuration of network element. SDN and NFV provide new thought for the systemic design of 5G, i.e., the software-driven flexible system architecture integrating with the infrastructure closely. Compared with the traditional IP network based on the distributed routing calculation, the SDN based on centralized routing calculation can effectively schedule all the network resources. NFV is available to connect all the network nodes and realize network intelligence by software programming for improving the flexibility. Furthermore, NFV enables the operators to meet the users’ demands by controlling the network capacity for improving the scalability. The combination of SDN and NFV, the upgrade of the network appli- cation, and network hardware are separated. This chapter focuses on the definable networking, one of the key techniques supporting 5G network architecture.