Probabilistic Management for Networked Systems
Based on collaboration work with Ericsson and Telia, SICS has developed a concept of
probabilistic management for networked systems, in which decisions are based on
probabilistic objectives and richer statistical monitoring information rather than on strict
performance guarantees and measurements.
With the growing complexity of networked systems, consisting of millions of network
elements operating under highly dynamic and unpredictable conditions, it is becoming
increasingly apparent that future network management techniques must begin to address
the inherent uncertainty in these networks. To make it possible to efficiently manage this
uncertainty, SICS has developed the concept of probabilistic network management, where
decisions are based on probabilistic objectives and richer statistical monitoring information
rather than on strict performance guarantees and measurements. The work is based on
results from projects in collaboration with Ericsson and Telia and developed together with
Cisco, California.
These probabilistic management approaches can be significantly more resource-efficient
than deterministic ones, both due to the richer monitoring information and the flexibility of
the probabilistic goals. Utilizing a consistent description of network state and its
uncertainties, they enable better control and balancing of resources. By using the flexibility
provided by the use of probabilistic objectives rather than deterministic ones, which often
assume worst-case scenarios, the amount of resources consumed by the solutions can also
be significantly reduced.
Probabilistic management approaches will change the way networks are configured, as goals
can be stated as acceptable probability distributions over performance metrics, allowing for
explicit control of uncertainties. Operators also benefit from getting a better understanding
of where the uncertainties are in their networks and their consequences. In short,
probabilistic approaches enable explicit management of uncertainty and noise in networked
systems.
SICS is currently in the front line of studying the benefits and effects of adopting a systematic
probabilistic approach to network management, while in close collaboration with Ericsson
developing specific applications in the context of cloud computing, network virtualization,
and next generation mobile access networks.