GLIF Automated GOLE proves NSI Connection Service v2.0 interoperability
3 December 2013 -- The Global LambdaGrid Integrated Facility (GLIF) Automated GOLE pilot dynamically connects GLIF Open Lightpath Exchanges and networks across the globe. During SuperComputing'13 (SC'13) in Denver, United States, dynamic layer 2 services were successfully set up between twenty network domains on four continents, proving the real world compatibility of the Network Service Interface Connection Service (NSI CS 2.0). NSI is an architectural standard being developed by the Open Grid Forum (OGF), and implemented as a cooperative project with the GLIF community.
The demonstration involved six software implementations: AutoBAHN by GÉANT, G-Lambda/A by AIST, G-Lambda/K by KDDI R&D Labs, DynamicKL by KISTI, OpenNSA by NORDUnet, OSCARS by ESnet and BoD by SURFnet. Control plane communication between these Network Resource Managers (NRMs) was undertaken through the Network Services Interface Connection Service version 2.0 Release 99. The pilot used distributed network topology descriptions based on the Network Markup Language standard with NSI extensions. Multi-domain pathfinding and set up across the NRMs were accomplished by using NSI aggregator implementations; one was a joint development of SURFnet and ESnet, with the other developed by AIST.
The participating GOLEs, networks and partners during the SC’13 and earlier GLIF 2013 demonstrations were AIST (Japan), SINET (Japan), KDDI R&D Labs (Japan), JGN-X (Japan), KISTI (South Korea), SingAREN (Singapore), SouthernLight (Brazil), RNP (Brazil), AMPATH (United States), ESnet (United States), Internet2 (United States), StarLight (United States), PSNC (Poland), NORDUnet (Scandinavia), GEANT (Europe), GRnet (Greece), CESNET (Czech Republic), University of Amsterdam (The Netherlands), SURFnet (The Netherlands) and NetherLight (The Netherlands).
To verify the functionality of connections provided by the NSI Connection Service, three data plane demonstrations were also successfully performed. In the first demonstration, multiple domains installed a VideoLAN Client (VLC) video streaming source that were used to stream videos to various booths on the SC’13 exhibition floor. The second demonstration by NICT showed adaptive path control for the inter-cloud service in response to network performance condition, and was achieved by the SDN controller (developed by KDDI R&D Labs) that integrates NSI, PerfSONAR, OpenStack and OpenFlow interfaces.
The third demonstration interconnected AIST (Japan), CESNET (Czech Republic) and the SC'13 venue with interactive video based on UltraGrid+CoUniverse software. This enables self-organization of low-latency multipoint video distribution and automatically allocates the circuits directly from the application based on the needs of data distribution. It was the first time circuits have been allocated directly from a user application using the AutoGOLE infrastructure with NSI interface.
The next step for the Automated GOLE is to move towards a production service allowing end users and networks to perform experiments on top of the fabric. Key technical components as authentication, authorization, topology exchange and monitoring will be implemented into the Automated GOLE as solutions are developed.
About GLIF -- The Global Lambda Integrated Facility (GLIF) is an international virtual organisation of NRENs, consortia and institutions that promotes lambda networking. GLIF provides lambdas internationally as an integrated facility to support data-intensive scientific research, and supports middleware development for lambda networking. It brings together some of the world's premier networking engineers to develop an international infrastructure by identifying equipment, connection requirements, and necessary engineering functions and services. More information is available on the GLIF website at http://www.glif.is/