Software-Defined Access Network (SDAN)

Control-plane functions are migrating from dedicated network equipment into software running on commodity hardware. The Software-Defined Access Network (SDAN) concept is introduced here that extends the benefits of Software-Defined Networking (SDN) into broadband access. The SDAN virtualizes access-network control and management functions for broadband access, to enable network optimizations, streamline operations, and encourage innovative services creation, particularly in multi-operator environments. This paper identifies software-definable control and management functions for broadband access, and presents some specific network optimizations using the SDAN.