]> SIMAP: Concept, Requirements, and Use Cases Huawei
olga.havel@huawei.com
Huawei
benoit.claise@huawei.com
Telefonica
oscar.gonzalezdedios@telefonica.com
Swisscom
thomas.graf@swisscom.com
Operations and Management Network Management Operations Service & Infrastructure Maps Service emulation Automation Network Automation Orchestration service delivery Service provisioning service flexibility service simplification Network Service Digital Map Emulation Simulation Topology Multi-layer This document defines the concept of Service & Infrastructure Maps (SIMAP) and identifies a set of SIMAP requirements and use cases. The SIMAP was previously known as Digital Map. The document intends to be used as a reference for the assessment of the various topology modules to meet SIMAP requirements. Discussion Venues Discussion of this document takes place on the Network Management Operations Working Group mailing list (nmop@ietf.org), which is archived at . Source for this draft and an issue tracker can be found at .
Introduction Service & Infrastructure Maps (SIMAP) is a data model that provides a view of the operator's networks and services, including how it is connected to other models/data (e.g., inventory, observability sources, and operational knowledge). It specifically provides an approach to model multi-layered topology and an appropriate mechanism to navigate amongst layers and correlate between them. This includes layers from physical topology to service topology. This model is applicable to multiple domains (access, core, data center, etc.) and technologies (Optical, IP, etc.). The SIMAP modelling defines the core topological entities (network, node, link, and termination point) at each layer, their role in the network topology, core topological properties, and topological relationships both inside each layer and between the layers. It also defines how to access other external models from a topology. The SIMAP model is a topological model that is linked to other functional models and connects them all: configuration, maintenance, assurance (KPIs, status, health, and symptoms), Traffic-Engineering (TE), different behaviors and actions, simulation, emulation, mathematical abstractions, AI algorithms, etc. These other models exist outside of the SIMAP and are not defined during SIMAP modelling. The SIMAP data consists of virtual instances of network and service topologies at different layers. The SIMAP provides access to this data via standard APIs for both read and write access, typically as a nortbound interface from a controller, with query capabilities and links to other YANG modules (e.g., Service Assurance for Intent-based Networking (SAIN) , Service Attachment Points (SAPs) , Inventory , and potentially linking to non-YANG models). The SIMAP also provides write operations with the same set of APIs, not to change a topology layer on the fly as a northbound interface from the controller, but for offline simulations, before applying the changes to the network via the normal controller operations. Both read and write APIs are similar, stemming from the same YANG model, to facilitate the comparison of the offline simulated SIMAP with the network one.
Terminology This document makes use of the following terms:
Topology:
Topology in this document refers to the network and service topology. A network topology defines how physical or logical nodes, links and termination points are related and arranged. A Service topology defines how service components (e.g., VPN instances, customer interfaces, and customer links) between customer sites are interrelated and arranged.
There are several types of topologies: point-to-point, bus, ring, star, tree, mesh, hybrid, and daisy chain.
Topologies may be unidirectional or bidirectional (bus, some rings).
Multi-layered topology:
A multi-layered topology models relationships between different topology layers, where each layer represents a connectivity aspect of the network and services that needs to be configured, controlled and monitored. Each topology layer has a separate lifecycle.
Topology layer:
A topology layer represents topology at a single layer in the multi-layered topology.
The topology layer can also represent what needs to be managed by a specific user or application, for example the IGP layer can be of interest to the operator troubleshooting or optimizing the routing, while the optical layer may be of interest to the user managing the optical network.
Some topology layers may relate closely to OSI layers, like Layer 1 topology for physical topology, Layer 2 for link topology and Layer 3 for IPv4 and IPv6 topologies.
Some topology layers represent the control aspects of Layer 3, like OSPF, IS-IS, or BGP.
The service layer represents the service view of the connectivity, that can differ for different types of services and for different providers/solutions.
The top layer represents the application/flow view of service connectivity.
Service:
A service represents network connectivity service provided over a network that enables devices, systems, or networks to communicate and exchange data with each other. It provides the underlying infrastructure and mechanisms necessary for establishing, maintaining, and managing connections between different endpoints. The example services are: L2VPN, L3VPN, EVPN, VPLS, VPWS,
Resource:
Defined in
The document defines the following terms:
Service & Infrastructure Maps (SIMAP):
SIMAP is a data model that provides a view of the operator's networks and services, including how it is connected to other models/data (e.g., inventory, observability sources, and operational knowledge). It specifically provides an approach to model multi-layered topology and an appropriate mechanism to navigate amongst layers and correlate between them. This includes layers from physical topology to service topology.
This model is applicable to multiple domains (access, core, data centers, etc.) and technologies (Optical, IP, etc.).
SIMAP modelling:
SIMAP modelling is the set of principles, guidelines, and conventions to model the SIMAP using the IETF modelling approach . They cover the network types (layers and sublayers), entity types, entity roles (network, node, termination point, or link), entity properties, relationship types between entities and relationships to other entities.
SIMAP model:
A SIMAP model defines the core topological entities, their role in the network, core topological properties, and relationships both inside each layer and between the layers.
It is the basic topological model with references/pointers to other models and connects them all: configuration, maintenance, assurance (KPIs, status, health, symptoms, etc.), traffic engineering, different behaviors, simulation, emulation, mathematical abstractions, AI algorithms, etc.
SIMAP data:
SIMAP data consists of instances of network and service topologies at different layers. This includes instances of networks, nodes, links and termination points, topological relationships between nodes, links and termination points inside a network, relationships between instances belonging to different networks, links to functional data for the instances, including configuration, health, symptoms.
The SIMAP data can be historical, real-time, or future data for 'what-if' scenarios.
Sample SIMAP Use Cases The following subsections provides a non-exhaustive list of SIMAP use cases.
Common Enablers for SIMAP This section identifies a set of enablers that are invoked when providing the various business-oriented SIMAP use cases. These enablers are grouped here to avoid duplication.
Service -> Resource The SIMAP API can be be invoked to retrieve all services for selected network types. An application that triggers such a request will be able to retrieve the topology for selected services via the SIMAP API and, from the response, it will be able to navigate via the supporting relationship top-down to the lower layers. In doing so, the application will be able to determine what logical resources are used by a service. The supporting relations to the lowest layer will help the application to determine what physical resources are used by the service.
Resource -> Service An application can navigate from the physical, Layer 2, or Layer 3 topology to the services that rely upon specific resources. For example, the application will be able to select the resources and by navigating the supporting relationship bottom-up come to the service and its nodes, termination points and links. This API can be invoked for service impact analysis, for example.
Traffic Engineering (TE) Traffic Engineering (TE) is a network optimization technique designed to enhance network performance and resource utilization by intelligently controlling the flow of data, for example by enabling dynamic path selection based on constraints such as bandwidth availability, latency, and link costs. Its primary goals are to prevent network congestion, balance traffic loads, and ensure efficient use of bandwidth while meeting performance requirements. The TE use case is a combination of both the capacity planning and the simulation use case. Therefore, there are no specific SIMAP requirements.
Closed Loop A network closed loop refers to an automated and intelligent system where network operations are continuously monitored, analyzed, and optimized in real time through feedback mechanisms. This self-adjusting cycle ensures that the network dynamically adapts to changes, resolves issues proactively, and maintains optimal performance without manual intervention. Key Characteristics of a Network Closed Loop:
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Collects data from network devices, traffic flows, and applications to build a comprehensive view of network health and performance.
  • Automated Analysis: Ideally leverages AI and machine learning to identify anomalies, predict potential failures, or detect security threats.
  • Proactive Action: Automatically triggers corrective measures, such as reconfiguring devices, isolating compromised endpoints, or rerouting traffic.
  • Continuous Optimization: Uses feedback from previous cycles to refine network policies and improve future responses.
The application will be able to retrieve a topology layer and any network/node/termination point/link instances from the controller via the SIMAP API and from the response it will be able to map the traffic analysis to the entities (typically links and router) for automated analysis. The corrective measures would be applied, either directly to the network by managing the SIMAP entities (network/node/termination point/link instances) or by first validating the corrective measure in an offline simulation (see the simulation and traffic engineering use cases).
Inventory Queries A network inventory refers to a comprehensive record or database that tracks and documents all the network components and devices within an organization's IT infrastructure. Key elements typically found in a network inventory include:
  • Hardware Details:
    Descriptions of physical devices such as routers (including their internal components such as cards, power supply units, pluggables), switches, servers, network cables, including model numbers, serial numbers, and manufacturer information. This information will facilitate locating additional details of the hardware in the manufacturer systems and the correlation with the purchase catalog of the company.
  • Software and Firmware:
    Versions of operating systems, network management tools, and firmware running on network devices. Note that a network device can have components with their own software and firmware.
  • Licensing Information:
    For any licensed software or devices, the network inventory will track license numbers, expiry dates, and compliance.
A network inventory lifecycle refers to the stages a network device or component goes through from its introduction to the network until its removal or replacement. It encompasses everything from acquisition and deployment to maintenance, upgrade, and eventually decommissioning. Managing the network inventory lifecycle efficiently is crucial for maintaining a secure, functional, and cost-effective network. A well-maintained network inventory helps organizations with network management, troubleshooting, asset tracking, security, and ensuring compliance with regulations. It also helps in scaling the network, planning upgrades, and responding to issues quickly. In order to facilitate the planning and troubleshooting processes it is necessary to be able to navigate from network inventory to network topology and services. The application will be able to retrieve physical topology from the controller via the SIMAP API and from the response it will be able to retrieve the physical inventory of individual devices and cables. The application may request either one or multiple topology layers via the SIMAP API and from the response it will be able to retrieve both physical and logical inventory. For Access network providers the ability to have linkage in the SIMAP of the complete network (active + passive) is essential as it provides many advantages for optimized customer service, reduced Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), and lower operational costs through truck roll reduction. For example, operators may use custom-tags that are readily available for a customer-facing device, then query the inventory based on that tag to correlate it with the inventory and then map it to the network/service topology. The mapping and correlation can then be used for triggering appropriate service checks.
Service Placement Feasibility Checks Service placement feasibility checks refer to the process of evaluating whether a specific service can be deployed and operated effectively in a given network. This includes accessing the various factors to ensure that the service will function as intended (e.g., based on traffic performance requirements) without causing network disruptions or inefficiencies and effecting other services already provisioned on the network. Some of the factors that need assesing are network capabilities, status, limitations, resource usage and availability. The service could be simulated during the feasibility checks to identify if there are any potential issues. The load testing could be done to evaluate performance under stress. The Service Feasibility Check application will be able to retrieve the topology at any layer from the controller via the SIMAP API and from the response it will be able to navigate to any other YANG modules outside of the core SIMAP topology to retrieve any other information needed, such as resource usage, availability, status, etc.
Intent/Service Assurance Network intent and service assurance work together to ensure that the network aligns with business goals and that the services provided meet the agreed-upon Service Level Agreements (SLAs). The Service Assurance for Intent-Based Networking Architecture (SAIN) approach emphasizes a comprehensive view of components involved in service delivery, including network devices and functions, to effectively monitor and maintain service health. The key objectives of this architecture include:
  • Holistic Service Monitoring:
    By considering all elements involved in service delivery, the architecture enables a thorough assessment of service health.
  • Correlation of Service Degradation:
    It assists in linking service performance issues to specific network components, facilitating precise identification of faults.
  • Impact Assessment:
    The architecture identifies which services are affected by the failure or degradation of particular network components, aiding in prioritizing remediation efforts.
When a service is degraded, the SAIN architecture will highlight where to look in the assurance service graph, as opposed to going hop by hop to troubleshoot the issue. More precisely, the SAIN architecture will associate a list of symptoms originating from specific SAIN subservices to each service instance, corresponding to components of the network. These components are good candidates for explaining the source of a service degradation. The application will be able to retrieve a topology layer and any network/node/termination point/link instances from the controller via the SIMAP API and from the response it will be able to determine the health of each instance by navigating to the SAIN subservices and its symptoms.
Service E2E and Per-link KPIs The application will be able to retrieve a topology at any layer from a controller via the SIMAP API and from the response it will be able to navigate to and retrieve any KPIs for selected topology entity.
Capacity Planning Network Capacity Planning refers to the process of analyzing, predicting, and ensuring that the network has sufficient capacity (e.g., ), resources, and infrastructure to meet current and future demands. It involves evaluating the network's ability to handle increasing (including forecasted) amounts of data, traffic, and users' activity, while maintaining acceptable levels of performance, reliability, and security. The capacity planning primary goal is to ensure that a network can support business operations, applications, and services without interruptions, delays, or degradation in quality. This requires a thorough understanding of the network's current state, as well as future requirements and growth projections. Key aspects of network capacity planning include:
  • Traffic analysis: Monitoring and analyzing network traffic patterns to identify trends, peak usage periods, and areas of congestion. For example, by generating a core traffic matrix with IPFIX flow record or deducting an approximate traffic matrix from the link utilization data.
  • Resource utilization: Evaluating the link utilization throughout the network for the current demand to identify bottlenecks and potential QoS peformance issues.
  • Growth forecasting: Predicting future network growth based on business expansion, new applications, or changes in users' behavior.
  • What-if scenarios: Creating models to assess the network behavior under different scenarios, such as increased traffic, failure conditions (link, router or Shared Risk Resource Group), and new application deployments (such as a new Content Delivery Network source, a new peering point, a new data center...).
  • Upgrade planning: Identifying areas where upgrades or additions are needed to ensure that the network can minimize the effect of node/link failures, mitigate QoS problems, or simply to support growing demands.
  • Cost-benefit analysis: Evaluating the costs and benefits of upgrading or adding new resources to determine the most cost-effective solutions.
By implementing a robust capacity planning process, organizations can:
  • Ensure better network reliability: Minimize downtime and ensure that the network is always available when needed.
  • Improve performance: Optimize network resources to support business-critical applications and services.
  • Optimize costs: Avoid unnecessary over-provisioning by making informed decisions based on data-driven insights.
  • Support business growth: Scale the network to meet increasing demands and support business expansion.
The application will be able to retrieve a topology layer and any network/node/termination point/link instances from the controller via the SIMAP API and from the response it will be able to map the traffic analysis to the entities (typically links and router), evaluate their current utilization, evaluate which elements to add to the network based on the growth forecasting, and finally perform the 'what-if' failure analysis by simulating the removal of link(s) and/or router(s) while evaluating the network performance.
Network Design Network design involves defining both the logical structure, such as access, aggregation, and core layers, and the physical layout, including devices and links. It serves as a blueprint, detailing how these elements interconnect to deliver the intended network behavior and functionality. The application will retrieve a candidate network topology as the initial design, which can then undergo further analysis (e.g., perform traffic flow simulations to identify bottlenecks and redundancy checks to ensure resilience) before being transformed into actionable intent and, eventually, deployment actions. Throughout the network's lifecycle, the design rules embedded within a topology can be continuously validated. For example, a link rule might specify that a connection between core and aggregation layers must have its source(s) and destination(s) located within the same data center. Another example is to declare that a specific link type should only exist between Core <-> Aggregation layer with certain contraints on port optic speed, type (LR vs SR for instance), etc. The application can (via SIMAP API):
  • Write the proposed network design (topology + rules), this is a new potential network. One network (in case of small network) or interconnect of multiple networks (bigger networks).
  • Write the intended network design (topology + rules), this is the intent of the network topology that cannot be retrieved from the real network (e.g. our L2 topology intent, or L3 topology intent). One network (in case of small network) or interconnect of multiple networks (bigger networks).
  • Retrieve the proposed network design (topology + rules)
    • Use case can be for purpose of traffic simulation, testing behavior under failures. Network simulation use case is described in .
    • Use case can be for purpose of comparing different proposed network designs.
    • Use case can be to build a simulated environment using this design. Network simulation use case is described in .
  • Retrieve the intended network design (topology + rules)
  • At any point in time, compare the discovered topology with intended one
    • Potentially validating discovered device configurations with intended ones assuming SIMAP has the external reference to configuration from topology.
Network Simulation and Network Emulation Network simulation is a process used to analyse the behaviour of networks via software. It allows network engineers and researchers to assess how the network protocols work under different conditions, such as different topologies, traffic loads, network failures, or the introduction of new devices. Network emulation, on the other hand, replicates the behavior of a real-world network, allowing for more realistic analysis compared to network simulation. While network simulation focuses on modeling and approximating network behavior, network emulation involves creating a real-time, functional network environment whose protocols behave exactly like a real network. Ideally, network emulation uses the same software images as the real network, but it could also be peformed (with less accuracy) using generic software.
Types of Network Simulation There are several types of network simulations, each designed to address specific needs and use cases. Below are the main categories of network simulation:
  1. Discrete Event Simulation (DES):
    This is the most common type of network simulation. It models a series of events that occur at specific points in time. Each event triggers a change in the state of a network component (e.g., a link is down, a card fails, or a packet arrives).
  2. Continuous Simulation:
    In contrast to discrete event simulation, continuous simulation models systems where variables change continuously over time. Network parameters like bandwidth, congestion, and throughput can be treated as continuous functions.
    The main use case is to model certain aspects of network performance that evolve continuously, such as link speeds or delay distributions in links that are impacted by environmental conditions (such as microwave or satellite links).
  3. Monte Carlo Simulation:
    This type of simulation uses statistical methods to model and analyze networks under uncertain or variable conditions. Monte Carlo simulations generate a large number of random samples to predict the performance of a network across multiple scenarios. It is used for probabilistic analysis, risk assessment, and performance evaluation under uncertain conditions.
Goals of Network Simulation The simulations can be also classified depending on the goal of the simulation.
Network Protocol Analysis This type of simulation focuses on simulating specific networking protocols (IS-IS, OSPF, BGP, SR) to understand how they perform under different conditions. It models the protocol operations and interactions among devices in the network. For example, simulation can be used to assess the impact of changing a link metric. Moreover, specific features of the networking protocol can be tested. For example, how fast-reroute performs in a given network topology.
Traffic Simulation This simulation focuses on modelling traffic flow across the network, including packet generation, flow control, routing, and congestion. It aims to evaluate traffic's impact on network performance. The main use is to model the impact of different types of traffic (e.g., voice, video, mobile data, web browsing) and understand how they affect the network's bandwidth and congestion levels. It can be used to identify bottlenecks and assist the capacity planning process.
Simulation of Different Topologies Under Normal and Failure Scenarios This type of simulation focuses on the structure and layout of the network itself. It simulates different network topologies, such as mesh, horse-shoe, bus, star, or tree topologies, and their impact on the network's performance. It can be used, together with the traffic simulation, to evaluate the most efficient topology for a network under normal conditions and considering factors like fault tolerance.
Postmortem Replay The postmortem replay use case consists of using SIMAPs for the purpose of analysis of network service property evolution based on recorded changes. A collection of relevant timestamped network events, such as routing updates, configuration changes, link status modifications, traffic metrics evolution, and service characteristics, is being made accessible from and/or within a SIMAP to support investigation and automated processing. Using a structured format, the stored data can be replayed in sequence, allowing network operators to examine historical network behavior, diagnose issues, and assess the impact of such events on service assurance. The mechanism supports correlation with external data sources to facilitate comprehensive post-mortem analysis. Beyond centralizing and correlating such various sources of information, the SIMAP can provide simulation of the network behaviour to assist investigations. In essence, this use case builds upon a collection of other SIMAP use cases, such as inventory queries, intent/service assurance, service KPIs, capacity planning, and simulation, to provide a thorough understanding of a network event impacting service assurance. Note that this use case may serve as a component of Service Disruption Detection fine tuning as described in .
Network Digital Twin (NDT) Per , Network Digital Twin (NDT) is a digital representation that is used in the context of Networking and whose physical counterpart is a data network (e.g., provider network or enterprise network). Also, as discussed in , network element models and topology models help generate a virtual twin of the network according to the network element configuration, operation data, network topology relationship, link state and other network information. The operation status can be monitored and displayed and the network configuration change and optimization strategy can be pre-verified. further elaborates on the requirements on various interfaces:
  • Network-facing interfaces are twin interfaces between the real network and its twin entity. They are responsible for the information exchange between a real network and NDT. SIMAP API can be invoked within such interfaces.
  • Application-facing interfaces are between the NDT and applications. They are responsible for the information exchange between Network Digital Twin and network applications. SIMAP API can be used for feasibility checks () or emulation ()).
recommends that these interfaces are open and standardized so as to avoid either hardware or software vendor lock and achieve interoperability.
SIMAP Requirements The SIMAP requirements are split into three groups for different target audiences:
  • Operator requirements:
    These requirements are collected from the operators. They are functional requirements derived from the operators' use cases. Some of the more specific semantic requirements were identified as gaps during the Hackathons with operators and added as specific semantic requirements to the operator use cases.
  • Design requirements:
    These requirements are derived from the operators' requirements. Although there is some duplication, these are focused on summarizing the operators' requirements for the design of the data model and API. These are functional requirements translated into low-level requirements for the model designers. The rationale for adopting this approach is to ensure that the data model is designed according to the operators' requirements and that they could be used for both design and review of the candidate YANG module(s).
  • Architecture requirements:
    Architectural (non-functional) requirements are captured as well, as operators identified performance needs, large scale support, and network discovery. These are not data model requirements, but are requirements either to drive the API design itself (e.g., to better optimize performance) or for the network controllers and orchestrators that expose a SIMAP API. Although, they may be common sense requirements not specific to SIMAP API, they are listed here for completeness.
Operator Requirements The following are the operators' requirements for the SIMAP. Note that some of these requirements are supported by default by .
REQ-BASIC-MODEL-SUPPORT:
Basic model with network, node, link, and termination point entity types.
This means that users of the SIMAP model must be able to understand a topology model at any layer via these core concepts only, without having to go to the details of the specific augmentations to understand the topology.
REQ-LAYERED-MODEL:
Topology layers from physical layer up to service layer.
SIMAP must provide the view for all layers of network topology, from physical network (ideally optical), layer 2, layer 3 up to service and intent views.
REQ-PASSIVE-TOPO:
Topology includes passive topology.
SIMAP must support topology of the complete network, including active and passive parts.
For Access network providers the ability to have linkage in the SIMAP of the complete network (active + passive) is essential as it provides many advantages for optimized customer service, reduced MTTR, and lower operational costs through truck roll reduction.
REQ-PROG-OPEN-MODEL:
Open and programmable SIMAP.
This includes "read" operations to retrieve the view of the network, typically as application-facing interface of Software Defined Networking (SDN) controllers or orchestrators.
It also includes "write" operations, not for the ability to directly change the SIMAP data (e.g., changing the network or service parameters), but for offline simulations, also known as what-if scenarios.
Running a "what-if" analysis requires the ability to take snapshots and to switch easily between them.
Note that there is a need to distinguish between a change on the SIMAP for future simulation and a change that reflects the current reality of the network.
REQ-STD-API-BASED:
Standard based SIMAP models and APIs, for multi-vendor support.
SIMAP must provide the standard YANG APIs that provide for read/write and queries. These APIs must also provide the capability to retrieve the links to external data/models.
REQ-COMMON-APP:
Common SIMAP models and APIs, for multi domain.
SIMAP models and APIs must be common over different network domains (campus, core, data center, etc.).
This means that clients of the SIMAP API must be able to understand the topology model of layers of any domain without having to understand the details of any technologies and domains.
REQ-GRAPH-TRAVERSAL:
Topology graph traversal.
SIMAP must be optimized for graph traversal for paths. This means that only providing link nodes and source and sink relationships to termination-points may not be sufficient, we may need to have the direct relationship between the termination points or nodes.
REQ-TOPOLOGY-ABSTRACTION:
Navigation across the abstraction levels inside a single network layer.
In a multi-layer network we need to navigate across multiple layers. We can also define multiple abstraction levels for a single layer and there is a need to navigate across these abstraction levels as well. Please refer to the for some background on the topology abstraction.
In a nutshell, a network (even a single layer network) can be represented in multiple ways providing different abstraction views of the same network. In such a case, it would be beneficial being able to navigate amongst the different levels of abstractions (e.g. to understand which set of nodes in the native topology are actually represented as a single node in an abstract topology being built on top of the native topology). This navigation is different and orthogonal to the multi-layer navigation where we need to report which Layer 2 path is supporting a given Layer 3 node or link. Nevertheless, it would not be the best practice to expose it via different topology API and model.
SIMAP must provide a mechanism to navigate across the abstraction levels inside a single network layer.
REQ-LIVE:
Live network topology.
SIMAP must enable retrieval of multi-layered topology of a live network.
Live network is the latest known view of the network
REQ-SNAPSHOT:
Network snapshot topology.
SIMAP must enable retrieval of multi-layered topology of different snapshots
Snapshot is the view of the network at any given point in time
REQ-POTENTIAL:
Potential new network topology.
SIMAP must enable both retrieval and write access to the potential new network.
A potential new network is the view at a given point with modifications from the snapshot.
This view may contain either the full topology or just differences from the snapshot.
REQ-SEMANTIC:
Network topology sematics
SIMAP must provide semantics for layered network topologies and for linking external models/data.
The following requirements are more specific requirements for semantics
REQ-LAYER-NAVIGATE:
SIMAP must provide capability to navigate inside the topology layer and between the topology layers
REQ-EXTENSIBLE:
SIMAP must be extensible with metadata.
REQ-PLUGG:
SIMAP must be pluggable. That is,
  • Must connect to other YANG modules for device configuration, inventory, configuration, assurance, etc. The SIMAP does not contain the detailed device configuration, so a mechanism is needed to be able to link it from SIMAP. SIMAP should also be linked to a 'logical configuration inventory'. Several examples of the type of logical information to be linked from SIMAP: inventory of logical interfaces, inventory of ACLs, or inventory of routing policies.
  • Given that no all involved components can be available using YANG, there is a need to connect SIMAP YANG model with other modelling mechanisms.
REQ-BIDIR:
SIMAP must provide a mechanism to model bidirectional links. While data flows are unidirectional, the bidirectional links are also common in networking. Examples are Ethernet cables, bidirectional SONET rings, socket connection to the server, etc. There is also the requirement for simplified service layer topology, where a link is modeled as bidirectional in order to be supported by unidirectional links at the lower layer.
REQ-MULTI-POINT:
SIMAP must provide a mechanism to model multipoint links. A topology model should be able to model any topology type in a simple and explicit way, including point to multipoint, bus, ring, star, tree, mesh, hybrid and daisy chain. A topology model should also be able to model any link cardinality in a simple and explicit way, including point-to-point, point-to-multipoint, multipoint-to-multipoint or hybrid.
REQ-MULTI-DOMAIN:
SIMAP must provide a mechanism to model links between networks. This requirement is about covering connectivity between different networks, sub-networks, or domains.
REQ-SUBNETWORK:
SIMAP must provide a mechanism to model network decomposition into sub-networks. The requirement is about modelling hierarchical networks , Autonomous Systems (ASes) with multiple areas, or a network with multiple domains (e.g., access, core, data center).
REQ-SHARED:
SIMAP must provide a mechanism to share nodes, links, and termination points between different networks.
REQ-SUPPORTING:
SIMAP must provide a mechanism to model supporting relationships between different types of topological entities (e.g., a termination point is supported by the node). This may be required, e.g., if a termination point is not supported by the underlying a termination point, but by the node (e.g., a loopback does not have physical representation, so it is supported by physical device).
REQ-STATUS:
Links and nodes that are down must appear in the topology. The status of the nodes and links must be either implemented in the SIMAP or accessible from the SIMAP. Whether the status is included as part of the SIMAP or accessible from the SIMAP is left to the solutions.
REQ-DATA-PLANE-FLOW:
Provider data plane (Flow) needs to be correlatable to underlay and customer data plane to overlay topology
REQ-CONTROL-PLANE:
Underlay control plane routing state needs to be correlatable to underlay L3 topology. Overlay control-plane routing state needs to be correlate-able to overlay L3 network topology.
Design Requirements The following are the design requirements for the SIMAP data model:
REQ-TOPO-ONLY:
SIMAP should contain only topological information.
SIMAP is not required to contain all models and data required for all the management and use cases. However, it should be designed to support adequate pointers to other functional data and models to ease navigating in the overall system. For example:
  • ACLs and Route Policies are not required to be supported in the SIMAP, they would be linked to the SIMAP
  • Dynamic paths may either be outside of the SIMAP or part of traffic engineering data/models
REQ-PROPERTIES:
SIMAP entities should mainly contain properties used to identify topological entities at different layers, identify their roles, and topological relationships between them.
SIMAP entities should also provide information required to define semantics for layered network topologies, such as:
  • link directionality,
  • whether the links are multipoint or not and, if so, are whether these links are point-to-multipoint or multipoint-to-multipoint,
  • role of the termination points in the link (source, destination, hub, spoke), and
  • some generic mechanism to add metadata.
REQ-RELATIONSHIPS:
SIMAP should contain all topological relationships inside each layer or between the layers (underlay/overlay)
SIMAP should contain links to other models/data to enable generic navigation to other YANG models in generic way.
The SIMAP relationships should also provide information required to define semantics for layered network topologies, such as providing:
  • underlay and overlay relations between different types of topological entities,
  • additional information that helps with navigation inside a layer and between the layers, for example, easy identification of resources at the physical layer in primary versus backup paths, if the underlay resources are used for load balancing or for backup,
  • capability to model nodes, termination points, and links contained in a network, but also nodes and links shared between networks, and
  • relationships between networks, either for modelling of underlay and overlay or modelling network that contains multiple networks.
REQ-CONDITIONAL:
Provide capability for conditional retrieval of parts of SIMAP.
REQ-TEMPO-HISTO:
Must support geo-spatial, temporal, and historical data. The temporal and historical can also be supported external to the SIMAP.
Architectural Requirements The following are the architectural requirements for the controller that provides SIMAP API, they are the non-functional requirements for the SIMAP API or controllers:
REQ-SCALES:
The SIMAP API must be scalable, it must support any provider network, independent of its size.
REQ-PERFORMANCE:
The SIMAP API must be performant, and have acceptable response-time. Although we are not to define
REQ-USABILITY:
The SIMAP API must be simple and easy to integrate with the client applications, whose developers may not be networking experts.
REQ-DISCOVERY:
A network controller must perform the initial and on-demand discovery of a network in order to provide the layered topology via the SIMAP API to a client/application.
REQ-SYNCH:
The controller must perform the sync with the network in order to provide up to date layered topology via SIMAP API to the client/application
REQ-SECURITY:
The conventional NACM control access rules should apply. This includes module control access rules, protocol operation control access rules, data node control access rules, and notification control access rules.
Positioning SIMAP advocates for a consistent classification of YANG modules and introduces two abstraction layers for YANG modules:
  • network element YANG modules
  • network service YANG modules
The IRTF defines the SDN layers and architecture and proposes the following interfaces:
  • southbound interfaces between the network devices and controllers/managers
  • service interface between controllers/managers and applications
defines where service model might fit into the SDN Architecture, although the service model does not require or preclude the use of SDN. It shows the following models at different layers of abstraction:
  • device model, between network elements and controllers
  • network model, between controllers and network orchestrators
  • service model, between network orchestrators and service orchestrators
  • customer service model, between service orchestrators and customer
describes the ACTN architecture in the context of the YANG service models. It shows how ACTN interfaces relate to device model, network model and customer service model. describes a framework for service and network management automation that takes advantage of YANG modelling technologies. This framework is drawn from a network operator perspective irrespective of the origin of a data model. introduces "network service models" and describes the layering and representation of models within a network operator as follows:
  • device model, between device and controller
  • network model (operator oriented), between controller (that includes network orchestration function) and service orchestrator
  • service model (customer oriented), between service orchestrator and customer, this is network service model
The SIMAP YANG module can be used at different layers of abstraction and SIMAP can provide topology at different interfaces. Although the SIMAP module and API is primarily positioned as northbound multi-layered topology model from (SDN) Controllers, it can also be positioned as follows:
  • In the context of , SIMAP can provide multi-layered topology YANG module as part of both network element and network service YANG modules
  • In the context of , SIMAP can provide multi-layered topology interface as part of both Southbound and Service Interfaces
  • In the context of , SIMAP can provide multi-layered topology model as part of device model, network model, service model and customer service model
  • In the context of , SIMAP can provide multi-layered topology model as part of SBI (southbound interface to network), MPI (interface between multi-domain service coordinator and network controller) and CMI (interface between customer network controller and multi-domain service controller)
  • In the context of , SIMAP can provide multi-layered topology model as part of device model, network model and network service model
Security Considerations As this document covers the SIMAP concepts, requirements, and use cases, there is no specific security considerations other that those discussed in . discusses security aspects that will be useful when designing the SIMAP solution.
IANA Considerations This document has no actions for IANA.
References Normative References A YANG Data Model for Network Topologies This document defines an abstract (generic, or base) YANG data model for network/service topologies and inventories. The data model serves as a base model that is augmented with technology-specific details in other, more specific topology and inventory data models. Network Configuration Access Control Model The standardization of network configuration interfaces for use with the Network Configuration Protocol (NETCONF) or the RESTCONF protocol requires a structured and secure operating environment that promotes human usability and multi-vendor interoperability. There is a need for standard mechanisms to restrict NETCONF or RESTCONF protocol access for particular users to a preconfigured subset of all available NETCONF or RESTCONF protocol operations and content. This document defines such an access control model. This document obsoletes RFC 6536. Informative References Service Assurance for Intent-Based Networking Architecture This document describes an architecture that provides some assurance that service instances are running as expected. As services rely upon multiple subservices provided by a variety of elements, including the underlying network devices and functions, getting the assurance of a healthy service is only possible with a holistic view of all involved elements. This architecture not only helps to correlate the service degradation with symptoms of a specific network component but, it also lists the services impacted by the failure or degradation of a specific network component. A YANG Network Data Model for Service Attachment Points (SAPs) This document defines a YANG data model for representing an abstract view of the provider network topology that contains the points from which its services can be attached (e.g., basic connectivity, VPN, network slices). Also, the model can be used to retrieve the points where the services are actually being delivered to customers (including peer networks). This document augments the 'ietf-network' data model defined in RFC 8345 by adding the concept of Service Attachment Points (SAPs). The SAPs are the network reference points to which network services, such as Layer 3 Virtual Private Network (L3VPN) or Layer 2 Virtual Private Network (L2VPN), can be attached. One or multiple services can be bound to the same SAP. Both User-to-Network Interface (UNI) and Network-to-Network Interface (NNI) are supported in the SAP data model. A Base YANG Data Model for Network Inventory Huawei Technologies Nokia Vodafone TIM Cisco This document defines a base YANG data model for network inventory. The scope of this base model is set to be application- and technology-agnostic. However, the data model is designed with appropriate provisions to ease future augmentations with application- and technology-specific details. Some Key Terms for Network Fault and Problem Management Ciena Old Dog Consulting Swisscom Huawei Huawei Technologies This document sets out some terms that are fundamental to a common understanding of network fault and problem management within the IETF. The purpose of this document is to bring clarity to discussions and other work related to network fault and problem management, in particular to YANG models and management protocols that report, make visible, or manage network faults and problems. Overview and Principles of Internet Traffic Engineering This document describes the principles of traffic engineering (TE) in the Internet. The document is intended to promote better understanding of the issues surrounding traffic engineering in IP networks and the networks that support IP networking and to provide a common basis for the development of traffic-engineering capabilities for the Internet. The principles, architectures, and methodologies for performance evaluation and performance optimization of operational networks are also discussed. This work was first published as RFC 3272 in May 2002. This document obsoletes RFC 3272 by making a complete update to bring the text in line with best current practices for Internet traffic engineering and to include references to the latest relevant work in the IETF. Defining Network Capacity Measuring capacity is a task that sounds simple, but in reality can be quite complex. In addition, the lack of a unified nomenclature on this subject makes it increasingly difficult to properly build, test, and use techniques and tools built around these constructs. This document provides definitions for the terms 'Capacity' and 'Available Capacity' related to IP traffic traveling between a source and destination in an IP network. By doing so, we hope to provide a common framework for the discussion and analysis of a diverse set of current and future estimation techniques. This memo provides information for the Internet community. Specification of the IP Flow Information Export (IPFIX) Protocol for the Exchange of Flow Information This document specifies the IP Flow Information Export (IPFIX) protocol, which serves as a means for transmitting Traffic Flow information over the network. In order to transmit Traffic Flow information from an Exporting Process to a Collecting Process, a common representation of flow data and a standard means of communicating them are required. This document describes how the IPFIX Data and Template Records are carried over a number of transport protocols from an IPFIX Exporting Process to an IPFIX Collecting Process. This document obsoletes RFC 5101. An Architecture for a Network Anomaly Detection Framework Swisscom Swisscom INSA-Lyon This document describes the motivation and architecture of a Network Anomaly Detection Framework and the relationship to other documents describing network symptom semantics and network incident lifecycle. The described architecture for detecting IP network service interruption is generic applicable and extensible. Different applications are being described and exampled with open-source running code. Network Digital Twin: Concepts and Reference Architecture China Mobile China Mobile China Mobile Huawei Orange Orange Digital Twin technology has been seen as a rapid adoption technology in Industry 4.0. The application of Digital Twin technology in the networking field is meant to develop various rich network applications, realize efficient and cost-effective data-driven network management, and accelerate network innovation. This document presents an overview of the concepts of Network Digital Twin, provides the basic definitions and a reference architecture, lists a set of application scenarios, and discusses such technology's benefits and key challenges. YANG Module Classification The YANG data modeling language is currently being considered for a wide variety of applications throughout the networking industry at large. Many standards development organizations (SDOs), open-source software projects, vendors, and users are using YANG to develop and publish YANG modules for a wide variety of applications. At the same time, there is currently no well-known terminology to categorize various types of YANG modules. A consistent terminology would help with the categorization of YANG modules, assist in the analysis of the YANG data modeling efforts in the IETF and other organizations, and bring clarity to the YANG- related discussions between the different groups. This document describes a set of concepts and associated terms to support consistent classification of YANG modules. Software-Defined Networking (SDN): Layers and Architecture Terminology Software-Defined Networking (SDN) refers to a new approach for network programmability, that is, the capacity to initialize, control, change, and manage network behavior dynamically via open interfaces. SDN emphasizes the role of software in running networks through the introduction of an abstraction for the data forwarding plane and, by doing so, separates it from the control plane. This separation allows faster innovation cycles at both planes as experience has already shown. However, there is increasing confusion as to what exactly SDN is, what the layer structure is in an SDN architecture, and how layers interface with each other. This document, a product of the IRTF Software-Defined Networking Research Group (SDNRG), addresses these questions and provides a concise reference for the SDN research community based on relevant peer-reviewed literature, the RFC series, and relevant documents by other standards organizations. Service Models Explained The IETF has produced many modules in the YANG modeling language. The majority of these modules are used to construct data models to model devices or monolithic functions. A small number of YANG modules have been defined to model services (for example, the Layer 3 Virtual Private Network Service Model (L3SM) produced by the L3SM working group and documented in RFC 8049). This document describes service models as used within the IETF and also shows where a service model might fit into a software-defined networking architecture. Note that service models do not make any assumption of how a service is actually engineered and delivered for a customer; details of how network protocols and devices are engineered to deliver a service are captured in other modules that are not exposed through the interface between the customer and the provider. Framework for Abstraction and Control of TE Networks (ACTN) Traffic Engineered (TE) networks have a variety of mechanisms to facilitate the separation of the data plane and control plane. They also have a range of management and provisioning protocols to configure and activate network resources. These mechanisms represent key technologies for enabling flexible and dynamic networking. The term "Traffic Engineered network" refers to a network that uses any connection-oriented technology under the control of a distributed or centralized control plane to support dynamic provisioning of end-to- end connectivity. Abstraction of network resources is a technique that can be applied to a single network domain or across multiple domains to create a single virtualized network that is under the control of a network operator or the customer of the operator that actually owns the network resources. This document provides a framework for Abstraction and Control of TE Networks (ACTN) to support virtual network services and connectivity services. A Framework for Automating Service and Network Management with YANG Data models provide a programmatic approach to represent services and networks. Concretely, they can be used to derive configuration information for network and service components, and state information that will be monitored and tracked. Data models can be used during the service and network management life cycle (e.g., service instantiation, service provisioning, service optimization, service monitoring, service diagnosing, and service assurance). Data models are also instrumental in the automation of network management, and they can provide closed-loop control for adaptive and deterministic service creation, delivery, and maintenance. This document describes a framework for service and network management automation that takes advantage of YANG modeling technologies. This framework is drawn from a network operator perspective irrespective of the origin of a data model; thus, it can accommodate YANG modules that are developed outside the IETF. Problem Statement and Architecture for Information Exchange between Interconnected Traffic-Engineered Networks In Traffic-Engineered (TE) systems, it is sometimes desirable to establish an end-to-end TE path with a set of constraints (such as bandwidth) across one or more networks from a source to a destination. TE information is the data relating to nodes and TE links that is used in the process of selecting a TE path. TE information is usually only available within a network. We call such a zone of visibility of TE information a domain. An example of a domain may be an IGP area or an Autonomous System. In order to determine the potential to establish a TE path through a series of connected networks, it is necessary to have available a certain amount of TE information about each network. This need not be the full set of TE information available within each network but does need to express the potential of providing TE connectivity. This subset of TE information is called TE reachability information. This document sets out the problem statement for the exchange of TE information between interconnected TE networks in support of end-to-end TE path establishment and describes the best current practice architecture to meet this problem statement. For reasons that are explained in this document, this work is limited to simple TE constraints and information that determine TE reachability. YANG Data Model for Traffic Engineering (TE) Topologies This document defines a YANG data model for representing, retrieving, and manipulating Traffic Engineering (TE) Topologies. The model serves as a base model that other technology-specific TE topology models can augment. TE Topology and Tunnel Modeling for Transport Networks Individual Juniper Networks Juniper Networks Volta Networks This document describes how to model TE topologies and tunnels for transport networks, by using the TE topology YANG model [I-D.ietf- teas-yang-te-topo] and the TE tunnel YANG model [I-D.ietf-teas-yang- te]. A YANG Grouping for Geographic Locations This document defines a generic geographical location YANG grouping. The geographical location grouping is intended to be used in YANG data models for specifying a location on or in reference to Earth or any other astronomical object. A YANG Data Model for Layer 2 Network Topologies This document defines a YANG data model for Layer 2 network topologies. In particular, this data model augments the generic network and network topology data models with topology attributes that are specific to Layer 2. A YANG Data Model for Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) Topology Telefonica Nokia Nokia This document defines a YANG data model for representing an abstracted view of a network topology that contains Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) information. This document augments the 'ietf- network' data model by adding OSPF concepts and explains how the data model can be used to represent the OSPF topology. The YANG data model defined in this document conforms to the Network Management Datastore Architecture (NMDA). A YANG Data Model for Intermediate System to intermediate System (IS-IS) Topology Telefonica Nokia Nokia Cisco Huawei This document defines a YANG data model for representing an abstracted view of a network topology that contains Intermediate System to Intermediate System (IS-IS). This document augments the 'ietf-network' data model by adding IS-IS concepts and explains how the data model can be used to represent the IS-IS topology. The YANG data model defined in this document conforms to the Network Management Datastore Architecture (NMDA). A YANG Data Model for Service Assurance This document specifies YANG modules for representing assurance graphs. These graphs represent the assurance of a given service by decomposing it into atomic assurance elements called subservices. The companion document, "Service Assurance for Intent-Based Networking Architecture" (RFC 9417), presents an architecture for implementing the assurance of such services. The YANG data models in this document conform to the Network Management Datastore Architecture (NMDA) defined in RFC 8342. A YANG Data Model for Network Hardware Inventory Huawei Technologies Nokia Vodafone TIM Cisco This document defines a YANG data model for network hardware inventory data information. The YANG data model presented in this document is intended to be used as the basis toward a generic YANG data model for network hardware inventory data information which can be augmented, when required, with technology-specific (e.g., optical) inventory data, to be defined either in a future version of this document or in another document. The YANG data model defined in this document conforms to the Network Management Datastore Architecture (NMDA). A YANG Network Data Model of Network Inventory Huawei China Mobile Huawei Orange This document defines a base YANG data model for network inventory that is application- and technology-agnostic. This data model can be augmented with application-specific and technology-specific details in other, more specific network inventory data models. This document is meant to help IVY base Network Inventory model discussion and ease agreement on a base model that would be flexible enough to be augmented with components that are covered by the IVY Charter. The hardware components definition are adapted from draft-ietf-ccamp- network-inventory-yang-02. A Network Data Model for Inventory Topology Mapping Huawei Orange China Mobile Huawei This document defines a YANG model to map the network inventory data with the topology model to form a base underlay network. The model facilitates the correlation between the layer (e.g., Layer 2 and Layer 3) topology information and the inventory data of the underlay network for better service provisioning, network maintenance operations, and other assessment scenarios. A Network YANG Data Model for Attachment Circuits Orange Juniper Telefonica Nokia Huawei Technologies This document specifies a network model for attachment circuits. The model can be used for the provisioning of attachment circuits prior or during service provisioning (e.g., VPN, Network Slice Service). A companion service model is specified in the YANG Data Models for Bearers and 'Attachment Circuits'-as-a-Service (ACaaS) (I-D.ietf- opsawg-teas-attachment-circuit). The module augments the base network ('ietf-network') and the Service Attachment Point (SAP) models with the detailed information for the provisioning of attachment circuits in Provider Edges (PEs). YANG Data Models for Bearers and 'Attachment Circuits'-as-a-Service (ACaaS) Orange Juniper Telefonica Nokia Huawei Technologies Delivery of network services assumes that appropriate setup is provisioned over the links that connect customer termination points and a provider network. The required setup to allow successful data exchange over these links is referred to as an attachment circuit (AC), while the underlying link is referred to as "bearer". This document specifies a YANG service data model for ACs. This model can be used for the provisioning of ACs before or during service provisioning (e.g., Network Slice Service). The document also specifies a YANG service model for managing bearers over which ACs are established. A YANG Data Model for Layer 2 Virtual Private Network (L2VPN) Service Delivery This document defines a YANG data model that can be used to configure a Layer 2 provider-provisioned VPN service. It is up to a management system to take this as an input and generate specific configuration models to configure the different network elements to deliver the service. How this configuration of network elements is done is out of scope for this document. The YANG data model defined in this document includes support for point-to-point Virtual Private Wire Services (VPWSs) and multipoint Virtual Private LAN Services (VPLSs) that use Pseudowires signaled using the Label Distribution Protocol (LDP) and the Border Gateway Protocol (BGP) as described in RFCs 4761 and 6624. The YANG data model defined in this document conforms to the Network Management Datastore Architecture defined in RFC 8342. YANG Data Model for L3VPN Service Delivery This document defines a YANG data model that can be used for communication between customers and network operators and to deliver a Layer 3 provider-provisioned VPN service. This document is limited to BGP PE-based VPNs as described in RFCs 4026, 4110, and 4364. This model is intended to be instantiated at the management system to deliver the overall service. It is not a configuration model to be used directly on network elements. This model provides an abstracted view of the Layer 3 IP VPN service configuration components. It will be up to the management system to take this model as input and use specific configuration models to configure the different network elements to deliver the service. How the configuration of network elements is done is out of scope for this document. This document obsoletes RFC 8049; it replaces the unimplementable module in that RFC with a new module with the same name that is not backward compatible. The changes are a series of small fixes to the YANG module and some clarifications to the text. A YANG Network Data Model for Layer 2 VPNs This document defines an L2VPN Network Model (L2NM) that can be used to manage the provisioning of Layer 2 Virtual Private Network (L2VPN) services within a network (e.g., a service provider network). The L2NM complements the L2VPN Service Model (L2SM) by providing a network-centric view of the service that is internal to a service provider. The L2NM is particularly meant to be used by a network controller to derive the configuration information that will be sent to relevant network devices. Also, this document defines a YANG module to manage Ethernet segments and the initial versions of two IANA-maintained modules that include a set of identities of BGP Layer 2 encapsulation types and pseudowire types. A YANG Network Data Model for Layer 3 VPNs As a complement to the Layer 3 Virtual Private Network Service Model (L3SM), which is used for communication between customers and service providers, this document defines an L3VPN Network Model (L3NM) that can be used for the provisioning of Layer 3 Virtual Private Network (L3VPN) services within a service provider network. The model provides a network-centric view of L3VPN services. The L3NM is meant to be used by a network controller to derive the configuration information that will be sent to relevant network devices. The model can also facilitate communication between a service orchestrator and a network controller/orchestrator. A YANG Data Model for Network Incident Management CMCC Telefonica Huawei Ciena A network incident refers to an unexpected interruption of a network service, degradation of a network service quality, or sub-health of a network service. Different data sources including alarms, metrics, and other anomaly information can be aggregated into a few amount of network incidents through data correlation analysis and the service impact analysis. This document defines a YANG Module for the network incident lifecycle management. This YANG module is meant to provide a standard way to report, diagnose, and help resolve network incidents for the sake of network service health and root cause analysis.
Related IETF Activities
Network Topology Interestingly, we could not find any network topology definition in IETF RFCs (not even in ) or Internet-Drafts. However, it is mentioned in multiple documents. As an example, in Overview and Principles of Internet Traffic Engineering , which mentions:
To conduct performance studies and to support planning of existing and future networks, a routing analysis may be performed to determine the paths the routing protocols will choose for various traffic demands, and to ascertain the utilization of network resources as traffic is routed through the network. Routing analysis captures the selection of paths through the network, the assignment of traffic across multiple feasible routes, and the multiplexing of IP traffic over traffic trunks (if such constructs exist) and over the underlying network infrastructure. A model of network topology is necessary to perform routing analysis. A network topology model may be extracted from:
  • Network architecture documents
  • Network designs
  • Information contained in router configuration files
  • Routing databases such as the link state database of an interior gateway protocol (IGP)
  • Routing tables
  • Automated tools that discover and collate network topology information.
Topology information may also be derived from servers that monitor network state, and from servers that perform provisioning functions.
Another example is that defines native topology, abstract topology, black topology, grey topology, but all in the context of actual topology and physical topology that are not specifically defined.
Topology Abstraction Please refer to the following for some background on topology abstractions:
  • defines topology abstraction
  • describes the topology abstraction methods and discusses topology abstraction factors, types and their context in the ACTN architecture
  • defines abstract TE topologies
  • defines native TE topologies
  • describes how to deal with multiple abstract TE topologies provided by the same provider
  • gives some background on topology abstraction.
Core SIMAP Components The following specifications are core for the SIMAP:
  • IETF network model and network topology model
  • A YANG grouping for geographic location
  • IETF modules that augment for different technologies:
    • A YANG data model for Traffic Engineering (TE) Topologies
    • A YANG data model for Layer 2 network topologies
    • A YANG data model for OSFP topology
    • A YANG data model for IS-IS topology
Additional SIMAP Components The SIMAP may need to link to the following models, some are already augmenting :
  • Service Attachment Point (SAP) , augments 'ietf-network' data model by adding the SAP.
  • SAIN
  • Network Inventory Model focuses on physical and virtual inventory. Logical inventory is currently outside of the scope. It does not augment RFC8345 like the two Internet-Drafts that it evolved from and . correlates the network inventory with the general topology via RFC8345 augmentations that reference inventory.
  • KPIs: delay, jitter, loss
  • Attachment Circuits (ACs) and
  • Configuration: L2SM , L3SM , L2NM , and L3NM
  • Incident Management for Network Services
Acknowledgments Many thanks to Mohamed Boucadair for his valuable contributions, reviews, and comments. Many thanks to Adrian Farrel for his SIMAP suggestion and helping to agree the terminology. Many thanks to Dan Voyer, Brad Peters, Diego Lopez, Ignacio Dominguez Martinez-Casanueva, Italo Busi, Wu Bo, Sherif Mostafa, Christopher Janz, Rob Evans, Danielle Ceccarelli, and many others for their contributions, suggestions and comments. Many thanks to Nigel Davis ndavis@ciena.com for the valuable discussions and his confirmation of the modelling requirements.
Contributors Swisscom
Ahmed.Elhassany@swisscom.com