Experimentation Framework for Autonomic Software Defined Networks Design, Development and Application in the Validation of Policy-based Traffic Engineering

Future networks require the use of sophisticated tools that will simplify the management and control of complex infrastructures and services by minimizing the burden of human presence and manual operation. Autonomic Network Management (ANM) on the one hand and Software Defined Networking (SDN) on the other hand, have appeared with the promise to meet these challenges and enhance the efficiency of the control and operation of the networks. These two emerging technologies share motivation and have confluent goals e.g. increase in reliability and efficiency of operation, simplification of network management and control, focus on means for opening innovation and differentiation for vendors and aiming at CAPEX/OPEX reduction for providers. Keywords—Autonomic Network Management; Software Defined Networks; OpenFlow; Experimentation Framework; GÉANT;