Connectivity abstractions and “service-oriented network” architecture

Current generation networks have been designed only for network connectivity; they have been stretched to the limit with many afterthought add-on features including quality of service, mobility, programmability, and security so that they can be deployed for business applications and processes. As such, service deployment on current networks are difficult, time consuming and with limited successes. This paper suggests a service architecture based on network connectivity abstraction, user connectivity abstraction and application/service connectivity abstraction. The paper also proposes a service-oriented network (SON) architecture that facilitates the development of services and applications regardless of the underlying network access technologies. The architecture is conceived through the consideration of the essential requirements of generic Internet applications from the service and network providers´ perspective that addresses the Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA) application deployment pattern, user location and device mobility, and the structure of IP-converged networks.