Federated Network Architectures
Federating networks means to share resources among multiple independent networks in order to optimise the use of those resources, improve the quality of network-based services, and/or reduce costs. The main challenges relate to management, technological differences, missing standards, cost model and the federation-independent presentation of services.
Focus of research:
- Defining federation and its key parameters.
- Assessing the user demand for federated networks based on an analysis of current and future large-scale projects requiring international data transmission.
- Evaluating a selection of existing GÉANT tools and services that could serve as building blocks for federated networks.
- Designing, verifying and refining architecture models for building federated networks.
- Investigating the implications of establishing a federated Point of Presence (PoP) via a test and demonstration case.
- In collaboration with the Task researching Virtualisation, designing a slice-based federation control and operation framework.

Specific aspects being researched include:
- Optical Transport Network (OTN) switches or advanced packet switches as a solution for multi-domain interconnections, providing intelligent add/drop capabilities and enhanced utilisation of cross-border fibre capacity to turn a multi-domain junction into a dynamic adaptive switching bridge.
- Operations, Administration and Maintenance (OAM) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
Results:
The results of the investigation into federation have been documented in the following project reports, papers, poster and video presentation: