This document is intended for anyone who is interested in modern network design. System Architects, Developers, Product and project managers, Network operators, should all find useful information here that will help them better understand the state-of-the-art in networking technology and figure out how the Linux Foundation Networking projects may be used as building blocks for modern networks. This white paper does not intend to prescribe the "right" solution for building a network. There is more than one way of doing that and it all depends on the network designer's preferences and available resources. Instead, we try to introduce the capabilities of each project and suggest potential ways they can be used in harmony. One of the goals of this document is to solicit engagement from potential users and contributors to the Linux Foundation Networks projects. You are strongly encouraged to share your insights and thoughts with the LFN community. The LFN Technical Advisory Committee mailing list is one place to start such engagement. Please see more details in chapter 45.
Just over two decades ago, the network was mainly a fixed voice network in widespread use in mature markets but with limited reach in emerging economies. Cellular and the internet were only just starting to appear. Each regional network was built and run by a Communications Services Provider who would acquire the underlying proprietary technology from Network Equipment Providers and charge subscribers to use the network. The resulting networks were largely homogenous with most of the equipment typically coming from a single vendor.
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