Specialist Task Force 499:
Approaches for Testing Adaptive Networks
Who we are:
| Team leader: |
- Peter Schmitting, FSCOM, peter.schmitting@fscom.fr
|
| Team Members: |
- Wolfgang Balzer, Fokus Infocom, wolfgang.balzer@focus-infocom.de
- Vlad Bratu, SIGOS, vlad.bratu@sigos.net
|
What we do
STF499 will develop a methodology for testing Adaptive Networks to be published as ETSI Guide EG 203 341.
For more details, see our Terms of Reference
Why we do it
The characteristics of 'adaptive networks' such as virtualisation, self-organisation, self-configuration, self-optimisation, self-healing and self-learning offer huge advantages in future networks. While technologies such as Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV), Self-Organizing Networks (SON), Mobile Edge Computing (MEC) and Autonomic Network Infrastructure (AFI) may not each exhibit all the characteristics they do have one thing in common: They are all dynamic rather than static, reacting to dynamic traffic conditions, applications, service demands as well as to changes in the eco-system environment.
By incorporating one or several of the technologies mentioned above, Adaptive Networks (AN) have the ability to automatically manage and control network resources, configuration parameters or the network structure, in order to meet functional targets or operational policies. However, to achieve this type of autonomous behaviour, it has to be ensured that any modification that is performed automatically in the network does not produce undesired effects, e.g. instability or lower performance with respect to the end-user perspective.
Comprehensive testing, both on a general level as in type approvals and related to acceptance testing of a particular deployment, is therefore even more important than it is for conventional networks. Due to the fact that the components of an AN may interact in a more complex and interdependent way than in a conventional network, appropriate testing methodologies are required in all phases of operation For instance, the effect of software updates in network components can be amplified by the more connected nature of these components in an AN.
How we do it
The STF develops EG 203 341 in remote and common sessions. The draft versions are sent to the stakeholders, e.g. TC INT, NTECH-AFI, ISG NFV for commenting.
The plan is to build a “stakeholder panel” and establish a mutual “sparring partner” relationship between this panel and STF499. This should work towards a practical proof of concept in the frame of a pilot test (e.g. a multi-vendor test site or an ETSI plugtest event) and help to establish an ongoing dialogue between standardization and implementation domains.
Deliverables
ETSI EG 203 341: “Core Network and Interoperability Testing (INT); Approaches for Testing Adaptive Networks”.
Time plan
STF499 started in September 2015 and will terminate its activities at the end of June 2016.
Just send us an e-mail,,our addresses are at the top of the page.