NSI Overview:
The Network Service Interface (NSI) is a standardized framework developed by the Open Grid Forum in collaboration with the global research and education (R&E) community. It addresses interoperability challenges in existing network services, enabling seamless interaction across different networks on a global scale. The first NSI protocol, Connection Service (NSI-CS), provisions dynamic network circuits in multi-domain environments.
The NSI architecture includes:
- Network Service Domain
- Connection
- Topology
- Service Termination Points (STPs)
- Service Demarcation Points (SDPs)
- Network Service Agent
- Network Resource Manager
[NSI framework (image credit: OGF)]
NSI Framework:
The NSI protocol supports inter-domain services and requires a Network Resource Manager (NRM) for intra-domain operations, enabling on-demand dynamic resource allocation. NSI standardizes the process of circuit provisioning, eliminating interoperability issues between networks.
Key Elements:
- Network Service Domain: A logical network connecting STPs and SDPs within a domain.
- Connection: Path between STPs, supporting end-to-end communication within or across domains.
- Topology: Arrangement of STPs and SDPs in various structures, such as tree or chain configurations.
- Service Termination Points (STPs): Points where data enters or exits an NSI domain.
- Service Demarcation Points (SDPs): Connect STPs from different networks, forming cross-domain links.
SENSE (Software-Defined Network for End-to-end Networked Science at Exascale)
SENSE enables multi-domain orchestration of network and cyberinfrastructure resources, integrating beyond-network elements such as computing, storage, and Data Transfer Nodes (DTNs). It employs an ontological model, Site and Network Resource Managers, and an Orchestrator.
AutoGOLE
AutoGOLE, a project under the Global Network Advancement Group (GNA-G), facilitates global collaboration between Open eXchange Points and Research and Education (R&E) networks. It provides fully automated end-to-end network services using the NSI Connection Service (NSI-CS). As a result, international network services can be provisioned within minutes, significantly reducing the need for manual intervention.
[Status of AutoGOLE/SENSE Topology (Diagram by Tom Lehman ESnet)]
AutoGOLE/SENSE Infrastructure:
The AutoGOLE/SENSE infrastructure integrates a variety of provisioning tools:
- OpenNSA: NSI-based client tool.
- SURF Ultimate Provider Agent (SuPA): NSI provider agent implementation.
- MEICAN: GUI enabling multi-domain collaboration by NOCs.
- SENSE: Model-based orchestration system for integrating network and end-system resources into a unified provisioning environment.
This infrastructure is designed to support the Research and Education (R&E) community with automated, end-to-end dynamic network services, significantly enhancing domain-specific science workflows.
For more information, please contact Mazahir Hussain at mazahir.hussain@kisti.re.kr.