Navigating Network Complexity

Network professionals have often been told that today's modern control planes would simplify their networks. Precisely the opposite has happened. Technologies like SDN and NFV, while immensely valuable, have exacerbated complexity instead of solving it. Network Complexity Solutions is the first comprehensive guide to managing the deployment and operational complexity associated with today's large scale networks. ż Russ White and Jeff Tantsura begin by characterizing the concept of network complexity in both measurable and non-measurable ways, and introducing the critical ideas of state overload and unintended consequences in large systems. They examine specific techniques and technologies associated with network control planes, including SDNs, fast reroute, segment routing, service chaining, and cloud computing, revealing how these impact network design and complexity, and helping you anticipate causes of failure in highly complex systems. ż In Part II, they turn to modern control planes, examining the fundamental operating principles of SDNs such as OpenFlow and I2RS, network function virtualization, and other service virtualization models, content distribution networks, layer 2 fabrics, and service chaining solutions. The authors explain each from a protocol level, exploring how they may both resolve and increase complexity in network design and operations. ż From start to finish, Network Complexity Solutionsżhelps network professionals get past the hype associated with SDN, NFV, and other new control planes, assess their true impact, and gain more of their benefits with fewer problems.