A Simple Web-Services Interface of a VPN Services Architecture

The Virtual Network Operator concept is a tried and trusted business model to serve enterprise customers by providing global-reach VPN services across multiple network providers. Our research into an hour-glass VPN services architecture was motivated by the potential to generate increased revenue streams from niche markets which demand VPN services with different characteristics and capabilities. To abstract these services from a subscriber's perspective, we propose a Web services based Simple Virtual Network Interface which is easy to use, modular and flexible to accommodate network virtualization and mobility. We also highlight challenges to this interface in the context of network provisioning for VPNs.