Jeroen van der Ham

Using RDF to describe networks

Conventions such as iGrid 2005 and SuperComputing show that there is increasing demand for more service options on networks. For such networks, large teams of experts are needed to configure and manage them. In order to make the full potential of hybrid networks available to the ordinary user, the complexity must be reduced.This paper presents the idea of the Network Description Language (NDL), which builds on Semantic Web techniques to create a distributed Topology Knowledge Base (TKB). The TKB can provide a collection of reachability graphs, showing connectivity rules among physical and/or virtual entities.Latching onto the Semantic Web provides network management with a new breed of tools--bots, compilers, browsers, both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and open source. The approach appears to be applicable to the Global Lambda Integrated Facility (GLIF) as well as other experimental communities.

A distributed topology information system for optical networks based on the semantic web

The research networking community has embraced novel network architectures to provide e-Science applications with dedicated connections instead of shared links. IP and optical services converge in these new infrastructures to form hybrid networks. Lightpaths are the services offered to clients in the optical portion of the network. They are chosen because they guarantee the appropriate QoS in terms of bandwidth and latency. NDL-the Network Description Language-is a data model offering users and providers of lightpaths with a common ontology to describe topology information of hybrid optical networks. The strength of NDL is that it supports a wide range of applications, including pathfinding, visualisation and asset management, via the definition of a common data model to exchange network descriptions. Since NDL is based on the Semantic Web techniques, it is straightforward to relate NDL with application-specific ontologies. In this paper we present the current status of the NDL schemas and its use in several applications.

Towards an Infrastructure Description Language for Modeling Computing Infrastructures

This paper describes the Infrastructure and Network Description Language (INDL). The aim of INDL is to provide technology independent descriptions of computing infrastructures. These descriptions include the physical resources and the network infrastructure that connects these resources. The description language also provides the necessary vocabulary to describe virtualization of resources and the services offered by these resources. Furthermore, the language can be easily extended to describe federation of different existing computing infrastructures, specific types of (optical) equipment and also behavioral aspects of resources, for example, their energy consumption. Before we introduce INDL we first discuss a number of modeling efforts that have lead to the development of INDL, namely the Network Description Language, the Network Markup Language and the CineGrid Description Language. We also show current applications of INDL in two EU-FP7 projects: NOVI and GEYSERS. We demonstrate the flexibility and extensibility of INDL to cater the specific needs of these two projects.

A semantic-web approach for modeling computing infrastructures

This paper describes our approach to modeling computing infrastructures. Our main contribution is the Infrastructure and Network Description Language (INDL) ontology. The aim of INDL is to provide technology independent descriptions of computing infrastructures, consisting of processing and storage resources and the network topology that connects these resources. INDL also provides descriptions for virtualization of resources and the services offered by resources. We build our infrastructure model upon the Network Markup Language (NML). Although INDL is a stand-alone model, it can be easily connected with the NML model. In this paper we show how INDL and NML are used as a basis for models used in three different applications: the CineGrid infrastructure, the Logical Infrastructure Composition Layer in the GEYSERS EU-FP7 project and the NOVI federation platform. Furthermore, we show the use of INDL for monitoring energy aspects of computing infrastructures and its application for workflow planning on computing infrastructures.

On-demand provisioning of Cloud and Grid based infrastructure services for collaborative projects and groups

Effective use of existing network and IT infrastructure can be achieved by providing combined network and IT resources on-demand as infrastructure services that are capable of supporting complex technological processes, scientific experiments, and collaborative groups of researchers and applications. This paper provides a short overview of existing standards and technologies and refers to ongoing projects. We also describe experiences in developing an architectural framework and tools for combined on-demand network and Grid/Cloud service provisioning. The paper proposes an architectural framework for on-demand infrastructure service provisioning comprising of three main components: the Composable Services Architecture (CSA) that intends to provide a conceptual and methodological framework for developing dynamically configurable virtualised infrastructure services; the Infrastructure Services Modeling Framework (ISMF) that provides a basis for the infrastructure resources virtualisation and management, including description, discovery, modeling, composition and monitoring; and the Service Delivery Framework (SDF) that provides a basis for defining the whole composable services life cycle management and supporting infrastructure services. We discuss implementation suggestions for the defined architectural components and provides information about the ongoing developments of the GEMBus which is considered as a middleware framework for CSA.

A multi-layer network model based on ITU-T G.805

In recent years, dynamic multi-layer networks have emerged. Unlike regular networks these multi-layer networks allow users and other networks to interface on different technology layers. While path finding on a single layer is currently well understood, path finding on multi-layer networks is far from trivial. Even the constraints (the possible incompatibilities) are not always clear. This paper proposes a model for multi-layer circuit-switched computer networks, based on ITU-T G.805 and GMPLS standards. Furthermore, it defines a simple algebra that can be used to verify the validity of network connections through such networks. The most important contribution of our model and algebra is that they are technology independent: they can describe any circuit-switched network technology without modifications or tuning to the model and algebra. The model and algebra have been implemented in a syntax and network tool, which are briefly discussed.

A path finding implementation for multi-layer networks

The goal of the OptIPuter project is to tightly couple research applications with dynamically allocated paths. Since OptIPuter is a multi-disciplinary project, the paths through the network often span multiple network domains, and the applications are challenged to find valid network connections through these domains. The challenge arises if the different network domains use different technologies. In this case, we have a multi-layer path finding problem. We will show that there are situations where algorithms as used in single layer networks, such as BGP, SS7 and OSPF-TE, cannot find the shortest path. A shortest path in a multi-layer network can contain loops, and a segment of a shortest path may not be a shortest path in itself. To solve this problem, both a multi-layer network representation as well as new path finding algorithms need to be developed. An additional challenge is to make a generic path finding algorithm that is technology-independent, and does not need to be modified as new technologies emerge. We show that it is possible to create solutions for all three problems. Using RDF-based techniques, we model multi-layer networks and describe incompatibilities for the path finding algorithm in technology-independent way. We also present a path finding algorithm that is able to use this information to find valid paths.

The NOVI information models

The NOVI Information Model (IM) and the corresponding data models are the glue between the software components in the NOVI Service Layer. The IM enables the communication among the various components of the NOVI Architecture and supports the various functionalities it offers. The NOVI IM consists of three main ontologies: resource, monitoring and policy ontology that have evolved over time to accommodate the emerging requirements of the NOVI architecture. This article presents the NOVI IM and its ontologies, together with an overview of how the NOVI software prototypes have benefited from using the IM.

An agent based network resource planner for workflow applications

Many scientific workflow applications are driven by simulation generated data, or data collected from sensors or instruments, and the processing of the data is commonly done at a different location from where the data is stored. Moving large quantities of data among different locations is thus a frequently invoked process in scientific workflow applications. These data transfers often have high quality requirements on the network services, especially when the application requires steering from human interaction. Advanced networks such as hybrid networks make it feasible for high level applications to request network paths and service provisioning. However, current workflow applications tune the execution quality neglecting network resources, and by selecting only optimal software services and computing resources. Including network services in the resource scheduling adds an extra dimension for workflow applications to optimize the runtime performance. In this paper we present a system called NEtwork aware Workflow QoS Planner NEWQoSPlanner to complement existing workflow systems on selecting network resources in the context of workflow composition, scheduling and execution when advanced network services are available.

Challenges of an information model for federating virtualized infrastructures

Users of the Future Internet will expect seamless and secure access to virtual resources distributed across multiple domains. These federated platforms are the core of the Future Internet. It is clear that information models, and concrete implementation in data models, are necessary prerequisites for all federative operations, information exchanges, and service support. This position paper describes our approach to the development of an information model for federating virtual infrastructures. Our basic assumption is that semantic resource descriptions with context-awareness, in the form of Semantic Web descriptions, better support services in federated platforms. We use our experiences in the development of two ontologies for computer networks and for network monitoring, NDL and MOMENT, to support and guide our development. The requirements of our envisaged Information and Data models are driven from a concrete use-case, using PlanetLab and FEDERICA as examples of virtualized platforms in a Future Internet federated environment.