We propose a sliceable bandwidth variable transceiver (S-BVT) architecture suitable for metro/regional elastic networks and highly scalable data center (DC) applications. It adopts multicarrier modulation (MCM), either OFDM or DMT, and a cost-effective optoelectronic front-end. The high-capacity S-BVT is programmable, adaptive and reconfigurable by an SDN controller for efficient resource usage, enabling unique granularity, flexibility and grid adaptation, even in conventional fixed-grid networks. We experimentally demonstrate its multiple advanced functionalities in a four-node photonic mesh network. This includes SDN-enabled rate/distance adaptive multi-flow generation and routing/switching, slice-ability, flexibility and adaptability for the mitigation of spectrum fragmentation as well as for a soft migration towards the flexi-grid paradigm.

IoT requires cloud infrastructures for data analysis (e.g., temperature monitoring, energy consumption measurement, etc.). Traditionally, cloud services have been implemented in large datacentres in the core network. Core cloud offers highcomputational capacity with moderate response time, meeting the requirements of centralized services with low-delay demands. However, collecting information and bringing it into one core cloud infrastructure is not a long-term scalable solution, particularly as the volume of IoT devices and data is forecasted to explode. A scalable and efficient solution, both at the network and cloud level, is to distribute the IoT analytics between the core cloud and the edge of the network (e.g. first analytics on the edge cloud and the big data analytics on the core cloud). For an efficient distribution of IoT analytics and use of network resources, it requires to integrate the control of the transport networks (packet and optical) with the distributed edge and cloud resources in order to deploy dynamic and efficient IoT services. This paper presents and experimentally validates the first IoT-aware multi-layer (packet/optical) transport SDN and edge/cloud orchestration architecture that deploys an IoT-traffic control and congestion avoidance mechanism for dynamic distribution of IoT processing to the edge of the network (i.e., edge computing) based on the actual network resource state.

We propose the TelcoFog architecture as a novel, secure, highly distributed and ultradense fog computing infrastructure, which can be allocated at the extreme edge of a wired/wireless network for a Telecom Operator to provide multiple unified, cost-effective and new 5G services, such as Network Function Virtualization (NFV), Mobile Edge Computing (MEC), and services for third parties (e.g., smart cities, vertical industries or Internet of Things (IoT)).The distributed and programmable fog technologies that are proposed in TelcoFog are expected to strengthen the position of the Mobile Network and cloud markets. TelcoFog, by design, is capable of integrating an ecosystem for network operators willing to provide NFV, MEC and IoT services. TelcoFog key benefits are the dynamic deployment of new distributed low-latency services.The novel TelcoFog architecture consists of three main building blocks: a) a scalable TelcoFog node, that is seamlessly integrated in the Telecom infrastructure; b) a TelcoFog controller, focused on service assurance and based on service data modeling using YANG, that is integrated in the management and orchestration architecture of the Telecom operator; and c) TelcoFog services, which are able to run on top of the TelcoFog and Telecom infrastructure. The TelcoFog architecture is validated through a Proof of Concept for IoT services.

Automating the provisioning of telecommunications services, deployed over a heterogeneous infrastructure (in terms of domains, technologies and management platforms), remains a complex task, yet driven by the constant need to reduce costs and service deployment time. This is more so, when such services are increasingly conceived around interconnected functions and require allocation of computing, storage and networking resources. This automation drives the development of service and resource orchestration platforms that extend, integrate and build on top of existing approaches, macroscopically adopting Software Defined Networking principles, leveraging programmability and open control in view of inter-operability. Such systems are combining centralized and distributed elements, integrating platforms whose development may happen independently and parallel, and are constantly adapting to ever changing requirements, such as virtualization and slicing. Of specific interest is the (optical) transport network segment, traditionally operated independently via closed proprietary systems, and characterized by being relatively complex and hard to reach consensus regarding modelling and abstraction. In view of the targets, the transport network segment needs to be integrated into such service orchestration platforms efficiently. In this context, this paper aims at providing an introduction to control, management and orchestration systems, of which the network control is a core component, along their main drivers, key benefits and functional/protocol architectures. It covers multi-domain and multi-layer networks and includes complex use cases, challenges and current trends such as joint cloud/network orchestration and 5G network slicing.

Abstract-This paper discusses the role of 5G technologies for the connected car. 5G technologies will enable cars and vehicles to be connected to the networks and also to be able to talk to each other ensuring ultra high reliability and very low latency. Enabling such kind of connectivity will leverage disruptive new applications that will allow to improve driving efficiency and boost road safety. First preliminary results from the EC-funded 5GPPP 5GCAR project are presented with regard to certain technologies that will enable the connected car, including channel measurement and modeling, advanced V2X communications, and fog computing. Also, a business perspective is provided, where the transformation of the automotive sector due to 5G is discussed.