Gianluca Davoli Tenure-Track Assistant Professor
at the University of Bologna, Italy
Title: From Automation to Orchestration: The New Frontiers of Network Softwarization
Abstract
This tutorial traces the evolution of network automation from early programmable and active networks to modern software-defined and virtualized infrastructures. It highlights the paradigm shift from hardware-centric to software-driven networking, emphasizing key enablers such as Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), and cloud computing. The tutorial explores the progression from control-plane programmability to advanced data-plane programmability through technologies such as P4, programmable switch architectures, SmartNICs, and high-performance packet-processing frameworks, including DPDK and eBPF. It also examines the convergence of networking and computing across cloud–edge environments, the role of virtualization and containerization, and the challenges associated with orchestrating heterogeneous resources and services. Finally, the tutorial discusses emerging directions, including AI-driven orchestration and zero-touch network management, highlighting the increasing complexity of future networks and the resulting need for automation, abstraction, and scalable control mechanisms.
Bio
Gianluca Davoli is a Tenure-Track Assistant Professor at the University of Bologna, Italy, where he obtained his Ph.D. degree in 2021. His research interests cover several aspects of softwarization in communication infrastructures, including service orchestration across the cloud continuum, with a particular focus on edge computing environments.
