Architecture component

An architecture component is a nontrivial, nearly independent, and replaceable part of a system that fulfills a clear function in the context of a well-defined architecture.

• TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019

Architecture principles

Architecture principles define the underlying general rules and guidelines for the use and deployment of all IT resources and assets across the organisation. They reflect a level of consensus among the various elements of the enterprise, and form the basis for making future IT decisions.

• based on https://pubs.opengroup.org/architecture/togaf8-doc/arch/chap29.html

API (Application Programming Interface)

An API is a set of commands, functions, protocols, and objects that programmers can use to create software or interact with an external system. Any data can be shared with an application program interface.

• based on https://techterms.com/definition/api and https://searchapparchitecture.techtarget.com/definition/appli cation-program-interface-API

Automated service provisioning

Automated service provisioning is the ability to deploy an information technology or telecommunications service by using pre-defined procedures that are carried out electronically without requiring human intervention.

• multiple sources including US government documents, e.g. Financial Services and General Government Appropriations for 2016 p.201 (https://books.google.de/books?id=h4SVIm3XaUsC&printsec=frontcover&hl=de&source=gbs_ge_summary_r&cad=0#v=onepage&q=201&f=false)

Automation

Processing tasks in a repeatable manner to yield the same result every time without human intervention.

• internal definition

Blockchain

A blockchain is an expanding list of cryptographically signed, irrevocable transactional records shared by all participants in a network.

• reduced; from TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019

Cgroups (control groups)

Cgroups are linux kernel mechanisms to restrict and measure resource allocations to each process group. Using cgroups, you can allocate resources such as CPU time, network, and memory.

• https://subscription.packtpub.com/book/application_development/9781785883057/1/ch01lvl1sec15/namespaces-and-cgroups

Cloud native application

Cloud Native Application (CNA) refers to a type of computer software that natively utilises services and infrastructure provided by cloud computing providers.

• reduced; from TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019

Component

A component is a functionally independent part of any system. It performs some function and may require some input or produce some output.

• https://www.techopedia.com/definition/3217/component

Composite service

A composite service is an assembly of one or more elements into an end to end service. It may be recursive so a composite service may become a component of yet another service.

• based on TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019 and TR274 DSRA Guide R17.5 Reference R02

Control plane

The control plane is responsible for processing a number of different control protocols that may affect the forwarding table, depending on the configuration and type of network device. These control protocols are jointly responsible for managing the active topology of the network.

• Software Defined Networks, A Comprehensive Approach, Paul Göransson, Chuck Black Morgan Kaufmann, 2014

Cross-domain data services

Data services that are delivered across multiple administrative, information or technological domains that allow data sharing among authorized consumers in different domains.

• internal definition based on ETSI GS ZSM 007 V1.1.1 (2019-08): Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM); Terminology for concepts in ZSM (https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/ZSM/001_099/007/01.01.01_60/gs_ZSM007v010101p.pdf)

Data center interconnect (DCI)

Data center interconnect (DCI) is a segment of the networking market that focuses on the technology used to link two or more data centers so the facilities can share resources.

• https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/data-center-interconnect

Data plane

The data plane (sometimes known as the user plane, forwarding plane, carrier plane or bearer plane) is the part of a network that carries user traffic from one interface to another.

• based on https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/data-plane-DP

Decoupling

Building approach (in electronics, software, etc.) where the constituent components of a system can be produced, sourced and interchanged independently of the other.

• based on TOGAF 9.2 Reference R16

Domain

A collection of network infrastructure under the administrative control of the same organisation.

• internal definition based on ITU-T Y.110 TELECOMMUNICATION STANDARDIZATION SECTOR OF ITU (06/98); SERIES Y: GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE; General Global Information Infrastructure principles and framework architecture (https://www.itu.int/rec/dologin_pub.asp?lang=e&id=T-REC-Y.110-199806-I!!PDF-E&type=items)

Federated orchestration

Service orchestration performed by multiple autonomous management domains, to effectively allow services to span across several providers.

• internal definition based on https://e-archivo.uc3m.es/bitstream/handle/10016/27125/service_WCNCW_2018_ps.pdf?sequence=1, ETSI GS ZSM 007 V1.1.1 (2019-08): Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM); Terminology for concepts in ZSM (https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/ZSM/001_099/007/01.01.01_60/gs_ZSM007v010101p.pdf) and https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318473608_Orchestration_of_Network_Services_across_multiple_operators_The_5G_Exchange_prototype
  

Functional block

Self contained unit in an overall system that performs a specific function or task.

• based on TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019 and ETSI Network Functions Virtualization (NFV); Infrastructure; Methodology to describe Interfaces and Abstractions Reference R08

Hierarchical orchestration

Orchestration decomposed into one or more hierarchical interactions where parts of the service are delegated to a subordinate orchestrator.

• ETSI GS ZSM 007 V1.1.1 (2019-08): Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM); Terminology for concepts in ZSM (https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/ZSM/001_099/007/01.01.01_60/gs_ZSM007v010101p.pdf)

Intent-based policy / network

Technology incorporating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to automate administrative tasks across a network.

• based on TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019

Management

The processes aiming at fulfilment, assurance, and billing of services, network functions, and resources in both physical and virtual infrastructure including compute, storage, and network resources.

• based on ITU-T Y.3100 TELECOMMUNICATION STANDARDIZATION SECTOR OF ITU (09/2017); SERIES Y: GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE, INTERNET PROTOCOL ASPECTS, NEXT-GENERATION NETWORKS, INTERNET OF THINGS AND SMART CITIES; Future networks: Terms and definitions for IMT-2020 network (https://www.itu.int/rec/dologin_pub.asp?lang=e&id=T-REC-Y.3100-201709-I!!PDF-E&type=items)

Management API

A Management API allows a service requestor to perform all management operations before, during and after the use of a service.

• based on TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019

Management domain

A collection of physical or functional elements under the control of an entity, aiming at fulfilment, assurance, and billing of services, network functions, and resources in both physical and virtual infrastructure.

• internal definition based on ITU-T Y.3100 TELECOMMUNICATION STANDARDIZATION SECTOR OF ITU (09/2017); SERIES Y: GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE, INTERNET PROTOCOL ASPECTS, NEXT-GENERATION NETWORKS, INTERNET OF THINGS AND SMART CITIES; Future networks: Terms and definitions for IMT-2020 network (https://www.itu.int/rec/dologin_pub.asp?lang=e&id=T-REC-Y.3100-201709-I!!PDF-E&type=items) and ITU-T Y.110 TELECOMMUNICATION STANDARDIZATION SECTOR OF ITU (06/98); SERIES Y: GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE; General Global Information Infrastructure principles and framework architecture (https://www.itu.int/rec/dologin_pub.asp?lang=e&id=T-REC-Y.110-199806-I!!PDF-E&type=items)

Microservices

Microservices is an approach to software architecture that builds a large, complex application from multiple small components that each perform a single function, such as authentication, notification, or payment processing. Each microservice is a distinct unit within the software development project, with its own code base, infrastructure, and database. The microservices work together, communicating through web APIs or messaging queues to respond to incoming events.

• https://www.nginx.com/learn/microservices/

Network automation

Network automation is the process of automating the configuration, management, testing, deployment, and operations of physical and virtual devices within a network.

• https://www.juniper.net/us/en/products-services/whatis/network-automation/
• https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/solutions/automation/networkautomation.html
• https://www.netsync.com/practices/service-provider/networkautomation/

Network controller

Functional block that centralizes some or all of the control and management functionality of a network domain and may provide an abstract view of its domain to other functional blocks via well-defined interfaces.

• ETSI GS NFV 003 V1.4.1 (2018-08), Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV); Terminology for Main Concepts in NFV (https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/NFV/001_099/003/01.04.01_60/gs_nfv003v010401p.pdf)

Network function

Network Function (NF) – a functional building block within a network infrastructure, which has well-defined external interfaces and a well-defined functional behaviour.

• ETSI GS ZSM 007 V1.1.1 (2019-08): Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM); Terminology for concepts in ZSM (https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/ZSM/001_099/007/01.01.01_60/gs_ZSM007v010101p.pdf)

Network function disaggregation (NFD)

Defines the evolution of switching and routing appliances from proprietary, closed hardware and software sourced from a single vendor, towards totally decoupled, open components which are combined to form a complete switching and routing device.

• https://www.metaswitch.com/knowledge-center/reference/what-is-network-function-disaggregation-nfd

Network namespaces

Network namespaces is a virtualization mechanism (a virtualised networking stack) which provides abstraction and virtualisation of network protocol services and interfaces. Each network namespace has its own network device instances that can be configured with individual network addresses.

• internal definition based on https://subscription.packtpub.com/book/application_development/9781785883057/1/ch01lvl1sec15/namespaces-and-cgroups

Network orchestration

Network orchestration is the execution of the operational and functional processes involved in designing, creating, and delivering an end-to-end service. For example, it uses network automation to provide services through the use of applications that drive the network. An orchestrator functions to arrange and organise the various components involved in delivering a network service.

• internal definition based on: Ciena, https://www.ciena.com/insights/what-is/what-is-service-orchestration.html
  

Network resource

Physical or logical network component of hardware, software or data in the data, control or management planes within an organization's infrastructure.

• internal definition

Network service

A collection of network functions with a well specified behavior (i.e. content delivery networks (CDNs) and IP multimedia subsystem (IMS)).

• internal definition based on ITU-T - REC-Y.3515-201707: SERIES Y: GLOBAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE, INTERNET PROTOCOL ASPECTS, NEXT-GENERATION NETWORKS, INTERNET OF THINGS AND SMART CITIES, Cloud Computing – Functional architecture of Network as a Service;  (https://www.itu.int/rec/dologin_pub.asp?lang=e&id=T-REC-Y.3515-201707-I!!PDF-E&type=items)

Network slicing

Network slicing is a specific form of virtualisation that allows multiple logical networks to run on top of a shared physical network infrastructure. (..) The intent of network slicing is to be able to partition the physical network at an end-to-end level to allow optimum grouping of traffic, isolation from other tenants, and configuring of resources at a macro level.

• https://www.idginsiderpro.com/article/3231244/what-is-the-difference-between-network-slicing-and-quality-of-service.html

Network slice instance

A Network slice instance is a set of Network Function instances and the required resources (e.g. compute, storage and networking resources) which form a deployed Network Slice.

• based on TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019 and 3GPP TS 23.501.

NFV

Network Function Virtualisation (NFV) is a network architecture concept that uses virtualization to classify entire classes of network node functions into building blocks that may connect, or chain together, to create communication services. More specifically, it is the deployment of software implementations of traditional network functions (e.g. load balancers, firewalls, office switches/routers) on virtualized infrastructure rather than on function-specific specialized hardware devices.

• based on Dijiang Huang, Huijun Wu, in Mobile Cloud Computing, 2018, (https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/network-function-virtualization)

NFV-MANO

(Network Functions Virtualisation Management and Orchestration)

Management and orchestration (MANO) is a key element of the ETSI network functions virtualization (NFV) architecture. MANO is an architectural framework that coordinates network resources for cloud-based applications and the lifecycle management of virtual network functions (VNFs) and network services. As such, it is crucial for ensuring rapid, reliable NFV deployments at scale. MANO includes the following components: the NFV orchestrator (NFVO), the VNF manager (VNFM), and the virtual infrastructure manager (VIM).

• https://www.adva.com/en/products/technology/what-is-nfv-mano

NFV-MANO Architectural Framework

(Network Functions Virtualisation Management and Orchestration Architectural Framework)

Collection of all functional blocks (including those in NFV-MANO category as well as others that interwork with NFV-MANO), data repositories used by these functional blocks, and reference points and interfaces through which these functional blocks exchange information for the purpose of managing and orchestrating NFV.

• ETSI GS NFV 003 V1.4.1 (2018-08), Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV); Terminology for Main Concepts in NFV (https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/NFV/001_099/003/01.04.01_60/gs_nfv003v010401p.pdf)

NFVO

(Network Functions Virtualisation Orchestrator)

Functional block that manages the Network Service (NS) lifecycle and coordinates the management of NS lifecycle, VNF lifecycle (supported by the VNFM) and NFVI resources (supported by the VIM) to ensure an optimized allocation of the necessary resources and connectivity.

• ETSI GS NFV 003 V1.4.1 (2018-08), Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV); Terminology for Main Concepts in NFV (https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/NFV/001_099/003/01.04.01_60/gs_nfv003v010401p.pdf)

OpenFlow protocol

OpenFlow protocol is a protocol defined by the OpenFlow Switch Specification that allows separation of the network control plane by providing access to the forwarding plane.

• internal definition based on: OpenFlow Switch Specification - Open Networking Foundation https://www.opennetworking.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/openflow-switch-v1.5.1.pdf and https://www.opennetworking.org/sdn-definition/?nab=1

OpenFlow (standard)

OpenFlow is an open standard that enables you to control traffic and run experimental protocols in an existing network by using a remote controller. The OpenFlow components consist of a controller, an OpenFlow or OpenFlow-enabled switch, and the OpenFlow protocol.

• https://www.juniper.net/documentation/en_US/junos/topics/concept/junos-sdn-openflow-support-overview.html

OpenStack

Open source software for creating private and public clouds. OpenStack software controls large pools of compute, storage, and networking resources throughout a data center, managed through a dashboard or via the OpenStack API.

• https://www.openstack.org/

Open virtual network (OVN)

Open Virtual Network (OVN) is an Open vSwitch-based software-defined networking (SDN) solution for supplying network services to instances.

• https://access.redhat.com/documentation/en-us/red_hat_openstack_platform/13/html/networking_with_open_virtual_network/open_virtual_network_ovn

Open vSwitch (OVS)

Open source multilayer virtual switch that supports standard interfaces and protocols.

• based on https://www.openvswitch.org/

Operational domain

Scope of management delineated by an administrative and technological boundary.

• based on TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019 

Orchestration (ONAP)

The arrangement, sequencing and automated implementation of tasks, rules and policies to coordinate logical and physical resources in order to meet a customer or on-demand request to create, modify or remove network or service resources.

• from: TM Forum Technical Specification, Terminology for Zero-touch Orchestration, Operations and Management, TMF071, Release 17.0.1, November 2017, version 0.4.1, IPR Mode RAND 
• (synonyms for the system performing the function: manager, coordinator)

Resource slice

A grouping of physical or virtual (network, compute, storage) resources. A resource slice could be one of the components of Network Slice, however on its own does not represent fully a Network Slice.

• based on https://tools.ietf.org/id/draft-geng-netslices-architecture-01.html#rfc.section.1.2

SDN

A programmable network approach that supports the separation of control and forwarding planes via standardized interfaces. 

• IRTF, RFC 7426: Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Layers and Architecture Terminology, January 2015, https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc7426

Self-configuration

A process by which computer systems or networks automatically adapt their own configuration of components without human direct intervention.

• based on https://www.igi-global.com/dictionary/aspect-oriented-self-configuring-p2p/26200 (retrieved Nov. 11, 2019) and ETSI GS ZSM 007 V1.1.1 (2019-08): Zero-touch network and Service Management (ZSM); Terminology for concepts in ZSM (https://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_gs/ZSM/001_099/007/01.01.01_60/gs_ZSM007v010101p.pdf)

Service access point

A Service Access Point is a kind of Resource Function (RF) that handles access into and out of another RF, such as an application RF or virtualized appliance RF.

• TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019

Service chaining (NFV)

Network service chaining, also known as service function chaining (SFC) is a capability that uses software-defined networking (SDN) capabilities to create a service chain of connected network services (such as L4-7 like firewalls, network address translation [NAT], intrusion protection) and connects them in a virtual chain.  This capability can be used by network operators to set up suites or catalogs of connected services that enable the use of a single network connection for many services, with different characteristics.

• https://www.sdxcentral.com/networking/virtualization/definitions/what-is-network-service-chaining/

Software defined exchanges

Software Defined IXP (SDX) is an internet exchange that utilizes SDN to do interdomain routing. In addition, SDX design incorporates high levels of programmability, open APIs, shared resources across multiple domains, dynamic provisioning, resource discovery, quick resource integration and configuration, and granulated control of resources.

• internal definition based on https://sdx.cs.princeton.edu/ and J. Mambretti, J. Chen, F. Yeh, Software-Defined Network Exchanges (SDXs): Architecture, services, capabilities, and foundation technologies, 2014 26th International Teletraffic Congress (ITC), DOI: 10.1109/ITC.2014.6932970.

Switch abstraction interface (SAI)

Definition of the API to provide a vendor-independent way of controlling forwarding elements, such as a switching ASIC, an NPU or a software switch in a uniform manner.

• Open Compute Project github page, https://github.com/opencomputeproject/SAI

User interface orchestration

User Interface Orchestration defines, formats and structures the sequence of user interfaces (UIs) needed for a process. For example, the orchestration of UI during a service request from customers.

• based on TM Forum Reference, TMF071 ODA Terminology, TMF071, Release 19.0.1, October 2019 and IG1167 R18.0 "ODA Functional Architecture" Reference R21

Virtual content delivery network

A content delivery network using virtualisation technology that enables the allocation of virtual storage, virtual machines, and network resources according to providers' requirements in a dynamic and scalable manner.

• based on ITU-T F.743.4 TELECOMMUNICATION STANDARDIZATION SECTOR OF ITU (03/2017) SERIES F: NON-TELEPHONE TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES Multimedia services, Functional requirements for virtual content delivery networks (https://www.itu.int/rec/dologin_pub.asp?lang=e&id=T-REC-F.743.4-201703-I!!PDF-E&type=items)

Virtual eXtensible Local Area Network (VXLAN)

Virtual eXtensible Local Area Network (VXLAN) enables the encapsulation of Ethernet frames inside UDP packets with a designated UDP destination port (4789). VXLAN allows users to overlay L2 networks on top of existing L3 networks. In the data center, it is commonly used to stretch an L2 network across multiple racks.

• https://github.com/Mellanox/mlxsw/wiki/Virtual-eXtensible-Local-Area-Network-(VXLAN)
• https://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc7348

Virtual routing and forwarding (VRF)

Virtual Routing and Forwarding is a layer 3 abstraction, which provides a separate routing table for each instance, usually this is done by adding some sort of VRFID to the routing table lookup.

• internal definition
• https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_routing_and_forwarding

Virtualisation

Abstraction of network or service objects to make them appear generic, i.e. disassociated from the underlying hardware implementation specifics.

• internal definition

Virtualised network function (VNF) - virtual network function

Virtual Network Function (VNF) is a network task written as software that can be provided in a virtualised manner (i.e. firewall, router, switch).

• internal definition based on https://www.sdxcentral.com/networking/nfv/definitions/virtual-network-function/
• https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/V/virtualized-network-function.html

Workflow

The sequence of steps through which a piece of work passes from initiation to completion.

• based on https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workflow

Workflow management

Workflow management (WFM) is a technology supporting the re-engineering of business and information processes. It involves: Defining workflows, (...) and providing for fast (re)design and (re)implementation of the processes as business needs and information systems change.

• D. Georgakopoulos, M. Hornick, A. Sheth, An Overview of Workflow Management: From Process Modeling to Workflow Automation Infrastructure, Distributed and Parallel Databases, 3, 119-153 (1995), http://www.workflowpatterns.com/documentation/documents/workflow95.pdf.