Augmenting SDN by a multi-layer network model

As software functions can be separated from the device hardware, new techniques as SDN and NFV can be enabled in the management and operation of communication networks. However, the automatic configuration and SDN tools give only moderate information to the control or orchestration systems, and this can affect the performance and reliability of the managed network. The control and orchestration functions require a model, that may include all the network elements and their relations too, and so enables analysis or even design functions.