Network function virtualization platform with function linking capability

Abstract

The invention discloses a network function virtualization platform with a function linking capability. The invention provides a virtual platform for network function virtualization (NFV). The virtualplatform can comprise a main processor which is coupled with an accelerator coprocessor. The accelerator coprocessor can be a reconfigurable integrated circuit, thereby providing improved flexibilityand convenience for aiming at NFV. The coprocessor can comprise a plurality of virtual function hardware accelerator modules. Each virtual function hardware accelerator module is configured for performing a corresponding accelerator function. A virtual machine which operates on a main processor can be anticipated to continuously perform a plurality of accelerator functions on the cooperator portion. In an appropriate configuration, intermediate data which are output by each accelerator function can be fed back to a main processor. In another appropriate configuration, continuous function calling can be linked together so that only final acquired data are fed back to the main processor.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the Chinese patent application 201610277917.5 filed on April 27, 2016, entitled "Network Function Virtualization Platform with Function Link Capability". [0002] This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 14 / 698636, filed April 28, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Background technique [0003] The growth of the internet has helped create the web of networks that connect billions of devices together across the globe. Typically, the fastest and most reliable networks are built using custom application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and dedicated hardware. As a result, large enterprise networks tend to resemble complex monolithic systems. In such custom systems, adding functionality ad hoc and making changes to these systems without any disruption to the network can be very challenging. [0004] Due to recent advances in the concentration of networks on commodity com...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

In such custom systems, it is very challenging to add functionality ad-hoc and make changes to these systems without any disruption to the network

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