OSM Open Source Management and Orchestration

Open Source Management and Orchestration (OSM) is a framework that enables the management and orchestration of network functions and services in a software-defined networking (SDN) environment. It provides a flexible and scalable solution for deploying and managing complex network architectures, allowing operators to efficiently provision, configure, and monitor their networks.

The rise of SDN and network function virtualization (NFV) has transformed the networking landscape by decoupling network functions from proprietary hardware appliances and implementing them as software-based virtualized instances. This shift towards virtualization brings numerous benefits such as increased flexibility, reduced costs, and accelerated service deployment. However, it also introduces challenges in terms of managing and orchestrating these virtualized network functions (VNFs) effectively.

OSM addresses these challenges by providing a comprehensive platform for managing and orchestrating VNFs across a distributed network infrastructure. It offers a range of features and capabilities that enable operators to automate the lifecycle management of network services, including service onboarding, scaling, healing, and termination.

One of the key aspects of OSM is its modular and extensible architecture. It consists of multiple functional blocks, each responsible for specific tasks in the management and orchestration process. These functional blocks include the VNF Catalog, Service Orchestrator, Network Functions Orchestrator, and the Virtualized Infrastructure Manager.

The VNF Catalog serves as a centralized repository for storing and managing VNF packages. It allows operators to easily browse, select, and onboard new VNFs into their network infrastructure. The Service Orchestrator is responsible for translating high-level service descriptions into low-level deployment instructions for the underlying infrastructure. It coordinates the deployment of VNF instances, configures network connectivity, and manages the lifecycle of services.

The Network Functions Orchestrator focuses on managing the lifecycle of individual VNF instances. It handles tasks such as VNF instantiation, scaling, healing, and termination, ensuring that the desired service-level agreements (SLAs) are met. The Virtualized Infrastructure Manager is responsible for managing the underlying compute, storage, and networking resources required to host VNF instances. It ensures efficient resource allocation, monitors resource utilization, and enforces resource policies.

OSM leverages industry-standard protocols and interfaces, such as the Open Network Automation Platform (ONAP) and the ETSI NFV Management and Orchestration (MANO) architecture, to ensure interoperability and compatibility with a wide range of network equipment and VNFs. It also supports multi-domain and multi-technology environments, enabling operators to manage and orchestrate heterogeneous network infrastructures.

Another important aspect of OSM is its support for intent-based networking. Intent-based networking focuses on defining the desired outcome or intent of a network service, rather than specifying low-level configuration details. OSM allows operators to define high-level intents, which are then translated into actionable instructions by the underlying orchestration components. This abstraction layer simplifies the management and provisioning of complex network services, making it easier to design, deploy, and modify them.

In addition to managing VNFs, OSM also provides functionality for service monitoring, fault management, and performance optimization. It offers real-time monitoring and analytics capabilities, allowing operators to gain insights into the performance and health of their network services. This information can be used to detect and troubleshoot issues, optimize resource allocation, and improve overall service quality.

Furthermore, OSM supports advanced features such as service chaining and network slicing. Service chaining allows operators to define and enforce specific sequences of network functions for traffic processing. It enables the creation of flexible service chains tailored to different service requirements. Network slicing, on the other hand, allows the partitioning of network resources into multiple virtual networks, each with its own set of services and characteristics. This enables efficient resource sharing and isolation, supporting the coexistence of multiple services on a shared infrastructure.

In conclusion, Open Source Management and Orchestration (OSM) is a powerful framework that facilitates the management and orchestration of network functions and services in software-defined networking environments. It provides a modular and extensible architecture, supporting the automated lifecycle management of virtualized network functions. OSM leverages standard protocols and interfaces, promotes intent-based networking, and offers advanced features for service monitoring and optimization. With its capabilities, OSM enables operators to efficiently deploy, configure, and monitor complex network architectures, driving the evolution and transformation of modern networks.