Nuage Networks Virtual Services Assurance Platform Overview

Dimitri Stiliadis, CTO and Co-founder of Nuage Networks, introduced the Nuage Networks Virtual Services Assurance Platform (VSAP) during the Tech Field Day Extra at ONUG Spring 2015. The platform is designed to enhance the operationalization of virtual networks and data center networks by addressing key aspects such as event correlation, error handling, and multi-vendor support. Stiliadis emphasized the importance of optimizing the IT delivery loop, which involves deploying, designing, and operating applications efficiently. The goal of Nuage Networks is to remove network-related obstacles from the IT service delivery process, thereby accelerating the overall IT delivery cycle.

The VSAP aims to provide comprehensive visibility and control over both virtual and physical network layers. Stiliadis explained that while Nuage Networks initially focused on creating abstractions and policy-based mechanisms for application developers, it became evident that operations teams were underrepresented. These teams needed tools to maintain applications and networks at peak performance. The VSAP addresses this by offering a route monitor that peers with physical networks to reconstruct a complete graph of the layer three topology. This includes using standard protocols like BGP and OSPF to gather data and correlate events across both the physical and virtual layers. The platform also utilizes SNMP to gather layer two information, ensuring a detailed understanding of the network’s physical infrastructure.

The platform’s correlation engine plays a crucial role in analyzing and correlating events from the network. It logs every event, such as route updates and interface changes, and correlates them to provide insights into network performance and issues. This allows operations teams to trace back and understand the root causes of network problems, even after the fact. The VSAP also offers proactive monitoring tools, such as continuity tests between virtual machines, to ensure network reliability. Additionally, the platform supports multi-vendor environments, demonstrating compatibility with various third-party switches and routers. This flexibility, combined with the ability to provide actionable insights and suggestions for network issues, makes the VSAP a valuable tool for maintaining robust and efficient network operations.