What is the role of orchestration in computer networking?

1 Network orchestration definition

Network orchestration is the process of coordinating and integrating multiple network automation tasks and tools to achieve a desired network state or outcome. Network orchestration can involve orchestrating different network layers, domains, devices, services, or functions, as well as orchestrating across different vendors, platforms, or protocols. Network orchestration aims to provide a holistic and dynamic view of the network and enable centralized control and management.

2 Network orchestration vs network automation

Network automation is the use of software or hardware to perform repetitive or predefined network tasks without human intervention. Network automation can include configuring devices, provisioning services, monitoring performance, enforcing policies, or troubleshooting issues. Network automation can improve network efficiency, consistency, and scalability, as well as reduce human errors and costs.

However, network automation alone is not enough to handle the complexity and diversity of modern networks. Network automation can create silos or dependencies between different network components or tools, which can limit the flexibility and adaptability of the network. Network automation can also lack visibility and coordination across the network, which can affect the quality and reliability of the network services.

Network orchestration builds on network automation by providing a higher level of abstraction and integration. Network orchestration can leverage existing network automation tools and scripts, but also add logic, intelligence, and orchestration to them. Network orchestration can enable network operators to define and execute complex workflows, policies, and objectives that span multiple network elements or layers. Network orchestration can also enable network operators to monitor and adjust the network state in real time, based on changing conditions or demands.

3 Network orchestration benefits

Network orchestration can provide a range of advantages to network operators and users, such as improved network agility and responsiveness, enhanced security and compliance, and reduced complexity and costs. Network orchestration can enable faster and easier deployment of services or resources, dynamic self-healing network adjustments, consistent enforcement of policies and rules, automatic detection of threats or anomalies, audit and verification of configurations and actions, optimization of resource utilization, and streamlining of operations and management. All of this helps to reduce manual effort, human errors, network overhead, and waste.

4 Network orchestration challenges

Network orchestration can be a challenge for network operators to implement or adopt. Common issues include lack of standardization and interoperability, complexity and scalability, and security and reliability. For instance, integration and coordination of different network automation tools, platforms, or protocols may not be compatible or consistent with each other. This can lead to reliance on vendor-specific or proprietary solutions, which can limit the network's flexibility and portability. Additionally, designing and executing complex and dynamic network workflows, policies, or objectives can require high levels of expertise and knowledge. As the network size and traffic increase, scalability and performance issues of the network orchestration system may arise. Furthermore, new risks and vulnerabilities may be introduced to the network such as unauthorized access, malicious attacks, or configuration errors. Therefore, it is important to ensure the security and reliability of the network orchestration system as well as the network services and functions that depend on it.

5 Network orchestration examples

Network orchestration can be applied to a variety of network scenarios and use cases, including Software-defined networking (SDN), Network functions virtualization (NFV), and Cloud networking. It provides the logic and intelligence for the SDN controller to orchestrate network devices and services across different layers or domains. It also enables the coordination and integration of virtual network functions (VNFs), as well as the underlying physical or virtual infrastructure. Moreover, it can automate and optimize cloud network provisioning, configuration, and management, ensuring alignment with cloud service level agreements (SLAs).

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?