ONAP (Open Network Automation Platform )

ONAP, which stands for Open Network Automation Platform, is a comprehensive open-source software platform that facilitates the automation and orchestration of network services. It aims to transform traditional networking architectures by enabling virtualization, automation, and intelligence in the management and operation of networks.

ONAP was initially formed as a collaboration between two major open-source projects, the Open Network Automation Initiative (ONAI) and the Open Orchestrator Project (OPEN-O), in February 2017. The Linux Foundation hosts ONAP, which has gained significant industry support from network operators, service providers, vendors, and developers.

The primary objective of ONAP is to address the challenges faced by network operators and service providers in deploying and managing complex networks efficiently. These challenges include time-consuming manual processes, limited interoperability between different network elements, and difficulties in scaling network services.

ONAP provides a unified platform that incorporates various modules and tools to automate network operations across different domains and technologies. It leverages open-source technologies and industry best practices to create a flexible, modular, and scalable platform for network automation.

At its core, ONAP consists of three main components: the Design Time, the Run Time, and the Closed Loop Automation (CLA) subsystems.

The Design Time subsystem allows network operators to design and model network services, including virtual network functions (VNFs) and virtual infrastructure managers (VIMs). It includes a visual composer, a model-driven service designer, and a policy framework that helps define the behavior and requirements of network services.

The Run Time subsystem focuses on the actual execution and orchestration of network services. It utilizes the models and blueprints created in the Design Time subsystem to instantiate and manage network services in a multi-vendor and multi-technology environment. It includes a service orchestrator, a resource orchestrator, and various plugins for integrating with different network elements.

The Closed Loop Automation (CLA) subsystem enables real-time monitoring and automated decision-making based on predefined policies and analytics. It collects data from network elements, performs analysis, and triggers actions to maintain the desired state of the network. The CLA subsystem enables proactive fault management, dynamic scaling of network services, and optimization of resource allocation.

In addition to these core components, ONAP provides a range of other functionalities and modules to enhance network automation. These include service assurance, network slicing, security management, testing and compliance, and more. ONAP also offers a robust framework for integrating with external systems and platforms, enabling seamless interoperability with existing network management systems (NMS) and operations support systems (OSS).

One of the key strengths of ONAP is its open and collaborative nature. It fosters an ecosystem of contributors and users who actively participate in the development, testing, and enhancement of the platform. This collaborative approach ensures that ONAP stays aligned with industry requirements and evolves to address emerging challenges in network automation.

Furthermore, ONAP leverages open-source technologies such as the ECOMP (Enhanced Control, Orchestration, Management, and Policy) framework, OpenDaylight, and OpenStack. It also integrates with other industry standards and frameworks like ETSI NFV (Network Functions Virtualization) and MEF (Metro Ethernet Forum).

The adoption of ONAP brings several benefits to network operators and service providers. It enables faster service delivery by automating provisioning and configuration tasks, reduces operational costs through streamlined processes and resource optimization, enhances network reliability and resilience through closed-loop automation and self-healing capabilities, and facilitates innovation and agility by supporting the rapid introduction of new services and technologies.

In conclusion, ONAP is a powerful open-source platform that empowers network operators and service providers to automate and orchestrate their networks effectively. By providing a unified framework for designing, executing, and optimizing network services, ONAP addresses the complexities and challenges associated with modern networking architectures. Its collaborative nature, integration with open-source technologies, and industry support make it a leading solution for network automation in today's digital era.