Micro-service Based Network Management for Distributed Applications

Abstract

Computer networks and their services have become increasingly dynamic with the introduction of concepts such as Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) and cloud computing. To understand and configure such a complex network to their best interests, users must use several management tools that they are not necessarily familiar with. In this paper, we present an architecture that provides network management for distributed applications as easy-to-use micro-services. Our solution is based on container virtualization technologies to offer, to the user, the maximum benefit through minimal cost. We present a proof-of-concept for our architecture through a use case. Our results show that acceptable overhead is added when deploying a solution for a distributed application, and negligible overhead is added by the management tools when the user application is under heavy stress.