Resource estimation for network virtualization through users and network interaction analysis

Abstract

Network virtualization can potentially overcome Internet ossification. This technology lets multiple virtual networks run on a shared physical infrastructure. A key step lies in mapping a virtual network request to a resource allocation in the network substrate. Previous approaches to this network embedding problem assumed the request will ask for specific resources, such as network capacity or computing power. However, the end-user is more interested in performance. This paper therefore considers a different request format, namely a request will ask for a certain quality of service (QoS). The infrastructure provider must then determine the resource allocation necessary for this QoS. In particular, the provider must take into account user reaction to perceived performance and adjust the allocation dynamically. To this end, we propose an estimation mechanism that is based on analyzing the interaction between user behavior and network performance. This approach can dynamically adjust resource estimations when QoS requirements change. Our simulation-based experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach can satisfy user performance requirements through appropriate resource estimation. Moreover, our approach can adjust resource estimations efficiently and accurately. © 2013 IEEE.