A virtual network functions brokering mechanism

The application of virtualisation techniques in communication networks is growing in response to continuous pressure due to profitability stagnation and profit margin reduction. In this regard, the trend of Network Function Virtualisation (NFV), which refers to the use of cloud-based software for carrying out network functions, is expected to modify this scenario. The EU FP7 T-NOVA project has the goal of providing mechanisms to foster the adoption of NFV. In this paper, we present a look in the commercialisation of NFV-based offerings through a marketplace, in which users can trade, auction, select and acquire NFV services. In this respect, a brokering mechanism was developed that is able to facilitate competition among Function Providers (FPs), allowing the T-NOVA customers to search for available offerings, trade between the third-party function developers (FPs) and finally the Service Provider (SP) to find the best price for the VNFs, which will be part of each T-NOVA Network Service.