Fuzzy decision system for technology choice in hybrid networks

Abstract

As networking technology evolves and new network services are being deployed, the network infrastructure is shifting towards a virtualized software-enabled architecture, namely, Software Defined Networking (SDN). However, a full deployment of SDN is challenging due to financial limitations and lack of expertise in the field. Consequently, a new form of hybrid network emerged as a result of the partial deployment of SDN. This paper considers the three types of networks, traditional, SDN and hybrid, and implements a fuzzy decision system that embodies network deployment best practices according to the advantages gained with each technology (legacy and SDN), and provides technology and financial recommendations that help operators decide on what type of network is best to deploy given their network and service requirements.