David Cortés-Polo

With the advent of next-generation networks, it is crucial to persist in the research and development of key enabling technologies such as software-defined networking (SDN). This involves assessing prospective network deployments, mechanisms, or ideas; an undertaking performed by both network operators and academia to assess the advantages and limitations of the developed proposals related to programmable networks. In this context, simulators are envisioned as essential tools for replicating experiments, offering the required realism, adaptability, and scalability within a controlled environment. However, current solutions have limitations related to the SDN capabilities and indicators that allow for optimizing network performance, which is crucial for Beyond 5G (B5G) and 6G. To overcome this challenge, we propose SDNSimPy, a Python-based simulation framework built on a discrete event simulator. The proposed simulator features a modular architecture with various functional abstractions related to programmable networks, which have been partitioned into distinct modules to streamline its development and facilitate future extensions. Moreover, SDNSimPy has undergone a verification phase to check its implementation. Results obtained from the simulator reveal a significant distinction in the operation modes (proactive and reactive) with respect to end-to-end delay. This parameter is crucial in Beyond 5G (B5G) services and can impact the quality of service (QoS) of network communications.

The evolution of interconnected systems and the evolving demands in service requirements have led to data centers integrating multiple heterogeneous technologies that must coexist. Consequently, the resource management and the security of the infrastructure are becoming more complex than in traditional scenarios. In this context, technologies such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN) or Network Function Virtualization (NFV) are being embraced as mechanisms that facilitate communication management. The integration of both technologies into a single framework, termed Software-Defined NFV (SDNFV) introduces a multitude of tools for managing the security of the data center’s resources. This work delineates the primary characteristics of the evolution of these communication networks and their application to information security and communications within a data center. It presents an illustrative use case demonstrating the application of these next-generation technologies to detect and mitigate a security issue through virtualized network functions deployed in containers.

The increase in frequency and complexity of cyberattacks has heightened concerns regarding cybersecurity and created an urgent need for organizations to take action. To effectively address this challenge, a comprehensive and integrated approach is required involving a cross-functional cybersecurity workforce that spans tactical and operational levels. In this context there can be various combinations of cybersecurity actions that affect different functional domains and that allow for meeting the established requirements. In these cases, agreement will be needed, but finding high-quality combinations requires analysis from all perspectives on a case-by-case basis. With a large number of cybersecurity factors to consider, the size of the search space of potential combinations becomes unmanageable without automation. To solve this issue, we propose Fast, Lightweight, and Efficient Cybersecurity Optimization (FLECO), an adaptive, constrained, and multi-objective genetic algorithm that reduces the time required to identify sets of high-quality cybersecurity actions. FLECO enables productive discussions on viable solutions by the cross-functional cybersecurity workforce within an organization, fostering managing meetings where decisions are taken and boosting the overall cybersecurity management process. Our proposal is novel in its application of evolutionary computing to solve a managerial issue in cybersecurity and enhance the tactical–operational cybersecurity management process.