Method and system for instantiation of a network function

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for instantiation of at least one network function The method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit[302] at a policy execution engine (PEEGN)[104], from a lifecycle manager (LM) module, a request for fetching a set of resources required for instantiation of the at least one network function, based at least on a predetermined policy. The method comprises querying, by a processing unit[304] at the PEEGN, a physical virtual inventory manager (PVIM) module[106] for retrieving the set of resources, and a region data related to the at least one network function. The method comprises selecting, by the processing unit[304] at the PEEGN[104], at least one host for instantiation of the at least one network function, based on at least the retrieved set of resources and the predetermined policy.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INSTANTIATION OF A NETWORK FUNCTIONFIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to network management systems. More particularly, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method and system for instantiation of at least one network function.BACKGROUND

[0002] The following description of the related art is intended to provide background information pertaining to the field of the disclosure. This section may include certain aspects of the art that may be related to various features of the present disclosure. However, it should be appreciated that this section is used only to enhance the understanding of the reader with respect to the present disclosure, and not as admissions of the prior art.

[0003] Wireless communication technology has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, with each generation bringing significant improvements and advancements. The first generation of wireless communication technology was based on analog technology and offered only voice services. However, with the advent of the second-generation (2G) technology, digital communication and data services became possible, and text messaging was introduced. 3G technology marked the introduction of high-speed internet access, mobile video calling, and location-based services. The fourth generation (4G) technology revolutionized wireless communication with faster data speeds, better network coverage, and improved security. Currently, the fifth generation (5G) technology is being deployed, promising even faster data speeds, low latency, and the ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously. With each generation, wireless communication technology has become more advanced, sophisticated, and capable of delivering more services to its users.

[0004] In order to instantiate a network node in the wireless communication systems, a policy execution engine (PEEGN) microservice needs to decide the host in which container network function components (CNFCs) need to be instantiated as per the defined policy. For this purpose, the PEEGN needs to get the details of all the hosts present in particular site under the selected pod (i.e., a network of computers). All these details need to be stored in an inventory. The fetching ofthe details of the hosts from the inventory by the PEEGN is not easy or may involve sending incorrect details of hosts in some cases.

[0005] Thus, there exists an imperative need in the art to provide a method and a system for sharing correct information of hosts from an inventory to PEEGN, which the present disclosure aims to address.SUMMARY

[0006] This section is provided to introduce certain aspects of the present disclosure in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify the key features or the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0007] An aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a method for instantiation of at least one network function. The method comprises receiving, by a transceiver unit at a policy execution engine (PEEGN), from a lifecycle manager (LM) module, a request for fetching a set of resources required for instantiation of the at least one network function, based at least on a predetermined policy. Further, the method comprises querying, by a processing unit at the PEEGN, a physical virtual inventory manager (PVIM) module for retrieving the set of resources, and a region data related to the at least one network function. Furthermore, the method comprises selecting, by the processing unit at the PEEGN, at least one host for instantiation of the at least one network function, based on at least one of the retrieved set of resources and the predetermined policy.

[0008] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the at least one network function comprises at least one of container network functions (CNFs), and virtual network functions (VNFs).

[0009] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the LM module receives a request for instantiation of the at least one network function from a user interface (UI).

[0010] In an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure, the region data comprises at least one of a site detail information, a pod detail information, a required configuration information, a maximum number of instances information, and combinations thereof.

[0011] Another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a system for instantiation of at least one network function. The system comprises a transceiver unit configured to receive, at a policy execution engine (PEEGN), from a lifecycle manager (LM) module, a request to fetch a set of resources required for instantiation of the at least one network function based at least on a predetermined policy. Further, the system comprises a processing unit configured to query, at the PEEGN, a physical virtual inventory manager (PVIM) module to retrieve the set of resources, and a region data related to the at least one network function. The processing unit is further configured to select, at the PEEGN, at least one host for instantiation of the at least one network function based on at least one of the retrieved set of resources and the predetermined policy.

[0012] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure may relate to a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for instantiation of at least one network function, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system causes a transceiver unit to receive, at a policy execution engine (PEEGN), from a lifecycle manager (LM) module, a request to fetch a set of resources required for instantiation of the at least one network function based at least on a predetermined policy. The instructions when executed by the system further causes a processing unit to query, at the PEEGN, a physical virtual inventory manager (PVIM) module to retrieve the set of resources, and a region data related to the at least one network function. The instructions when executed by the system further causes the processing unit to select, at the PEEGN, at least one host for instantiation of the at least one network function based on at least one of the retrieved set of resources and the predetermined policy.OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0013] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment disclosed herein satisfies are listed herein below.

[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a method and system for instantiation of at least one network function.

[0015] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution for sharing information of hosts from an inventory that helps in providing the proper hosts information with required configuration.

[0016] It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a solution that helps policy execution microservice to decide correctively about the hosts where CNFC’s need to be instantiated.DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein, and constitute a part of this disclosure, illustrate exemplary embodiments of the disclosed methods and systems in which like reference numerals refer to the same parts throughout the different drawings. Components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Also, the embodiments shown in the figures are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure, but the possible variants of the method and system according to the disclosure are illustrated herein to highlight the advantages of the disclosure. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that disclosure of such drawings includes disclosure of electrical components or circuitry commonly used to implement such components.

[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a block diagram of a resource architecture, in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a system for instantiation of at least one network function, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 4 illustrates a method flow diagram for instantiation of at least one network function, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram depicting the method for instantiation of at least one network function, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure.

[0023] The foregoing shall be more apparent from the following more detailed description of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0024] In the following description, for the purposes of explanation, various specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent, however, that embodiments of the present disclosure may be practiced without these specific details. Several features described hereafter may each be used independently of one another or with any combination of other features. An individual feature may not address any of the problems discussed above or might address only some of the problems discussed above.

[0025] The ensuing description provides exemplary embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the disclosure. Rather, the ensuing description of the exemplary embodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enabling description for implementing an exemplary embodiment. It should be understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as set forth.

[0026] Specific details are given in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. For example, circuits, systems, processes, and other components may be shown as components in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodiments in unnecessary detail.

[0027] Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as a process which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flow diagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchart may describe the operations as a sequential process, many of the operations may be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition, the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process is terminated when its operations are completed but could have additional steps not included in a figure.

[0028] The word “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative” is used herein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. For the avoidance of doubt, the subject matter disclosed herein is not limited by such examples. In addition, any aspect or design described herein as “exemplary” and / or “demonstrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other aspects or designs, nor is it meant to preclude equivalent exemplary structures and techniquesknown to those of ordinary skill in the art. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms “includes,” “has,” “contains,” and other similar words are used in either the detailed description or the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive — in a manner similar to the term “comprising” as an open transition word — without precluding any additional or other elements.

[0029] As used herein, a “processing unit” or “processor” or “operating processor” includes one or more processors, wherein processor refers to any logic circuitry for processing instructions. A processor may be a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a (Digital Signal Processing) DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits, Field Programmable Gate Array circuits, any other type of integrated circuits, etc. The processor may perform signal coding data processing, input / output processing, and / or any other functionality that enables the working of the system according to the present disclosure. More specifically, the processor or processing unit is a hardware processor.

[0030] As used herein, “a user equipment”, “a user device”, “a smart-user-device”, “a smartdevice”, “an electronic device”, “a mobile device”, “a handheld device”, “a wireless communication device”, “a mobile communication device”, “a communication device” may be any electrical, electronic and / or computing device or equipment, capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. The user equipment / device may include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, smart phone, laptop, a general-purpose computer, desktop, personal digital assistant, tablet computer, wearable device or any other computing device which is capable of implementing the features of the present disclosure. Also, the user device may contain at least one input means configured to receive an input from at least one of a transceiver unit, a processing unit, a storage unit, a detection unit and any other such unit(s) which are required to implement the features of the present disclosure.

[0031] As used herein, “storage unit” or “memory unit” refers to a machine or computer-readable medium including any mechanism for storing information in a form readable by a computer or similar machine. For example, a computer-readable medium includes read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), magnetic disk storage media, optical storage media, flash memory devices or other types of machine-accessible storage media. The storage unit stores at least the data that may be required by one or more units of the system to perform their respective functions.

[0032] As used herein “interface” or “user interface” refers to a shared boundary across which two or more separate components of a system exchange information or data. The interface may also be referred to a set of rules or protocols that define communication or interaction of one or more modules or one or more units with each other, which also includes the methods, functions, or procedures that may be called.

[0033] All modules, units, components used herein, unless explicitly excluded herein, may be software modules or hardware processors, the processors being a general-purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a conventional processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in association with a DSP core, a controller, a microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array circuits (FPGA), any other type of integrated circuits, etc.

[0034] As used herein the transceiver unit include at least one receiver and at least one transmitter configured respectively for receiving and transmitting data, signals, information or a combination thereof between units / components within the system and / or connected with the system.

[0035] As discussed in the background section, in order to instantiate a network node in the wireless communication systems, a policy execution engine (PEEGN) microservice needs to decide the host in which container network function components (CNFCs) need to be instantiated as per the defined policy. For this purpose, the PEEGN needs to get the details of all the hosts present in particular site under the selected pod. All these details need to be stored in an inventory. The fetching of the details of the hosts from the inventory by the PEEGN is not easy or may involve sending incorrect details of hosts in some cases.

[0036] The present disclosure aims to overcome the above-mentioned and other existing problems in this field of technology by providing a method and system for instantiation of at least one network function.

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary representation of a block diagram of a resource architecture

[0100] , in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 1, the resource architecture

[0100] comprises a Lifecycle Manager (LM) module

[0102] , a policy execution engine (PEEGN)

[0104] , a physical and virtual inventory manager (PVIM)

[0106] and a database

[0108] , wherein all the components are assumed to be connected to each other in a manner as obvious to the person skilled in the art for implementing features of the present disclosure.

[0038] The LM module

[0102] comprises container network functions (CNFs) LM module (CNFLM) [102-1] and a virtual network function (VNF) LM module (VLM) [102-2],

[0039] The CNFLM module [102-1] is configured to create a CNF or individual container network function components (CNFC) instances. The CNFLM module [102-1] is configured to perform healing and scaling out of CNF’s or individual CNFC’s.

[0040] The VLM [102-2] is a micro service. The VLM [102-2] is configured to perform one of an instantiation, termination, or scaling in lifecycle management of VNF instances.

[0041] The PEEGN

[0104] provides a network function virtualization (NFV) and software defined network (SDN) platform functionality to support dynamic requirements of resource management and network service orchestration in the virtualized network. The NFV and SDN design function module

[0104] comprises a VNF lifecycle manager (compute), a VNF catalogue, a network services catalogue, a network slicing and service chaining manager, a physical and virtual resource manager and a CNF lifecycle manager. The VNF lifecycle manager is responsible for deciding on which server of the communication network, the microservice will be instantiated. The VNF lifecycle manager may manage the overall flow of incoming / outgoing requests during interaction with the user. The VNF lifecycle manager is responsible for determining which sequence to be followed for executing the process.

[0042] The PVIM module

[0106] is connected with the database

[0108] and one or more resources associated with the database

[0108] , Once the PVIM module

[0106] receives the request from the PEEGN

[0104] , the PVIM module

[0106] is configured to add the resources consumed by the network function in used resources and removing the resources from a free resource. The update is further sent to the database

[0108] ,

[0043] In one implementation, the database

[0108] is a NoSQL database

[0108] , The NoSQL database refers to a non-relational database. The non-relational database stores data in a non- tabular form and is more flexible than a traditional, SQL-based database structure. The database

[0108] is configured to store the consumed resources and the free resources based on the update received from the PVIM module

[0106] ,

[0044] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a computing device

[0200] upon which the features of the present disclosure may be implemented in accordance with exemplary implementation of the present disclosure. In an implementation, the computing device

[0200] may also implement a method for instantiation of at least one network function, utilising the system. In another implementation, the computing device

[0200] itself implements the method for instantiation of at least one network function, using one or more units configured within the computing device

[0200] , wherein said one or more units are capable of implementing the features as disclosed in the present disclosure.

[0045] The computing device

[0200] may include a bus

[0202] or other communication mechanism for communicating information, and a hardware processor

[0204] coupled with bus

[0202] for processing information. The hardware processor

[0204] may be, for example, a general-purpose microprocessor. The computing device

[0200] may also include a main memory

[0206] , such as a random-access memory (RAM), or other dynamic storage device, coupled to the bus

[0202] for storing information and instructions to be executed by the processor

[0204] , The main memory

[0206] also may be used for storing temporary variables or other intermediate information during execution of the instructions to be executed by the processor

[0204] , Such instructions, when stored in non-transitory storage media accessible to the processor

[0204] , render the computing device

[0200] into a special-purpose machine that is customized to perform the operations specified in the instructions. The computing device

[0200] further includes a read only memory (ROM)

[0208] or other static storage device coupled to the bus

[0202] for storing static information and instructions for the processor

[0204] ,

[0046] A storage device

[0210] , such as a magnetic disk, optical disk, or solid-state drive is provided and coupled to the bus

[0202] for storing information and instructions. The computing device

[0200] may be coupled via the bus

[0202] to a display

[0212] , such as a cathode ray tube (CRT), Liquid crystal Display (LCD), Light Emitting Diode (LED) display, Organic LED (OLED) display, etc. for displaying information to a computer user. An input device

[0214] , including alphanumeric and other keys, touch screen input means, etc. may be coupled to the bus

[0202] for communicating information and command selections to the processor

[0204] , Another type of user input device may be a cursor controller

[0216] , such as a mouse, a trackball, or cursor direction keys, for communicating direction information and command selections to the processor

[0204] , and for controlling cursor movement on the display

[0212] , This input device typically has two degrees of freedom in two axes, a first axis (e.g., x) and a second axis (e.g., y), that allow the device to specify positions in a plane.

[0047] The computing device

[0200] may implement the techniques described herein using customized hard-wired logic, one or more ASICs or FPGAs, firmware and / or program logic which in combination with the computing device

[0200] causes or programs the computing device

[0200] to be a special-purpose machine. According to one implementation, the techniques herein are performed by the computing device

[0200] in response to the processor

[0204] executing one or more sequences of one or more instructions contained in the main memory

[0206] , Such instructions may be read into the main memory

[0206] from another storage medium, such as the storage device

[0210] , Execution of the sequences of instructions contained in the main memory

[0206] causes the processor

[0204] to perform the process steps described herein. In alternative implementations of the present disclosure, hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of or in combination with software instructions.

[0048] The computing device

[0200] also may include a communication interface

[0218] coupled to the bus

[0202] , The communication interface

[0218] provides a two-way data communication coupling to a network link

[0220] that is connected to a local network

[0222] , For example, the communication interface

[0218] may be an integrated services digital network (ISDN) card, cable modem, satellite modem, or a modem to provide a data communication connection to a corresponding type of telephone line. As another example, the communication interface

[0218] may be a local area network (LAN) card to provide a data communication connection to a compatible LAN. Wireless links may also be implemented. In any such implementation, the communication interface

[0218] sends and receives electrical, electromagnetic or optical signals that carry digital data streams representing various types of information.

[0049] The computing device

[0200] can send messages and receive data, including program code, through the network(s), the network link

[0220] and the communication interface

[0218] , In the Internet example, a server

[0230] might transmit a requested code for an application program through the Internet

[0228] , the ISP

[0226] , the local network

[0222] , the host

[0224] and the communication interface

[0218] , The received code may be executed by the processor

[0204] as it is received, and / or stored in the storage device

[0210] , or other non-volatile storage for later execution.

[0050] The present disclosure is implemented by a system

[0300] (as shown in FIG. 3). In an implementation, the system

[0300] may include the computing device

[0200] (as shown in FIG. 2). It is further noted that the computing device

[0200] is able to perform the steps of a method

[0400] (as shown in FIG. 4).

[0051] Referring to FIG. 3, an exemplary block diagram of a system

[0300] for instantiation of at least one network function is shown, in accordance with the exemplary implementations of the present disclosure. The system

[0300] comprises at least one transceiver unit

[0302] , at least one processing unit

[0304] and at least one storage unit

[0306] , Also, all of the components / units of the system

[0300] are assumed to be connected to each other unless otherwise indicated below. As shown in FIG. 3, all units shown within the system

[0300] should also be assumed to be connected to each other. Also, in FIG. 3 only a few units are shown, however, the system

[0300] may comprise multiple such units or the system

[0300] may comprise any such numbers of said units, as required to implement the features of the present disclosure. Further, in an implementation, the system

[0300] may be present in a user device to implement the features of the present disclosure. The system

[0300] may be a part of the user device / or may be independent of but in communication with the user device (may also referred herein as a UE). In another implementation, the system

[0300] may reside in a server or a network entity. In yet another implementation, the system

[0300] may reside partly in the server / network entity and partly in the user device.

[0052] The system

[0300] is configured for instantiation of at least one network function, with the help of the interconnection between the components / units of the system

[0300] , The instantiation refers to a process of creation of an instance of the at least one network function. The instance of the at least one network function refers to an implementation of a network function. For example, in VNFs, the instances are virtual and run on a virtual machine and not on a hardware.

[0053] The at least one network function comprises at least one of container network functions (CNFs), and virtual network functions (VNFs). The CNFs refer to cloud native network functions that operate in a container. The VNFs refer to a virtualized form of tasks where the tasks may be earlier carried out by a dedicated hardware.

[0054] In one implementation, the lifecycle manager (LM) module

[0102] sends a request. The request is to fetch a set of resources required for the at least one network function. In one example, the request is for instantiation of the CNF. In another example, the request may be for instantiation of the VNF. The instantiation may be based at least on a predetermined policy. The set of resources refer to availability of resources for instantiation of the network function at a host. The set of resources facilitate in determining if the hosts are available to instantiate the at least one network function. The set of resources includes at least one free resource and at least one used resource. The “free resource” herein refers to a resource available to perform the instantiation of the at leastone network function. The “used resource” herein refers to a resource not available to perform the instantiation of the at least one network function.

[0055] The predetermined policy is defined as a set of predefined rules to select an appropriate resource from the set of resources where the instantiation of the network function may be performed. The predetermined policy ensures that the selected resource operates efficiently and does not interfere in the instantiation of the network function. The predetermined policy includes but may not be limited to checking a resource availability of each of the resource from the set of resources, checking proximity of location of each of the resource, proper load balancing at each of the resource from the set of resources, and the like. The resource availability ensures that the selected resource has sufficient memory and storage to support the at least one network function. The proximity of location refers to checking the distance of each of the resources from the user, to select the resources that are geographically closer to the user to reduce latency. The load balancing check refers to checking if distribution of workload is even across the set of resources, so that the selected resource does not become a bottleneck and interrupt with the instantiation.

[0056] In one implementation, the LM module

[0102] is configured to receive the request from a user interface (UI). For example, a user may send the request via the UI. The user may be one of a system operator or a network operator. If the request is for the instantiation of the CNF, the transceiver unit

[0302] receives the request from the CNFLM [102-1], In another example, if the request is for the instantiation of the VNF, the transceiver unit [102-2] receives the request from the VLM [102-2],

[0057] In a nutshell, the transceiver unit

[0302] at the policy execution engine (PEEGN)

[0104] is configured to receive the request from the LM module

[0102] ,

[0058] Based on the request received from the LM module

[0102] , the processing unit

[0304] is configured to query the physical virtual inventory manager (PVIM) module

[0106] to retrieve the set of resources and a region data related to the at least one network function. The region data herein refers to information that is specific to a particular geographical area or region within a network. The region data includes but may not be limited to one of a site detail information, a pod detail information, a required configuration information, a maximum number of instances information, and combinations thereof.

[0059] In one example, the set of resources and the region data to be retrieved from the PVIM module

[0106] may be stored in the storage unit

[0306] ,

[0060] The site detail information herein refers to information about a physical or virtual location where network resources are deployed. The site detail information includes but may not be limited to geographical coordinates of the location in case of physical location. The pod detail information herein refers to a set of computers linked by one or more networks in a single unit. The required configuration information herein may refer to specification and settings necessary for operation of at least one network function. In one example, the required configuration information includes internet protocol (IP) address, routing configuration, and the like. The maximum number of instances information herein includes an upper limit of number of instances that can be deployed on the at least one network. In one example, the PVIM module

[0106] is configured to store the set of resources and region information.

[0061] The processing unit

[0304] at the PEEGN

[0104] , is configured to select at least one host for instantiation of the at least one network function. The selection is performed based on at least one of the retrieved set of resources and the predetermined policy. Based on the predefined policy (i.e., predetermined policy), the processing unit

[0304] selects the appropriate host where the instantiation of the at least one network function may be performed. The predefined policy includes checking the resource availability of each of the resource from the set of resources, proximity of location of each of the resource, proper load balancing at each of the resource from the set of resources, and the like. The system

[0300] ensures that the host is selected based on the requirements of the at least one network function and based on accurate information of the set of hosts and configuration associated with the set of hosts.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary method flow diagram

[0400] for instantiation of at least one network function, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure is shown. In an implementation, the method

[0400] is performed by the system

[0300] , Further, in an implementation, the system

[0300] may be present in a server device to implement the features of the present disclosure. Also, as shown in FIG. 4, the method

[0400] starts at step

[0402] ,

[0063] The at least one network function comprises at least one of container network functions (CNFs), and virtual network functions (VNFs). The CNFs refers to cloud native network functions that operate in a container. The VNFs refers to a virtualized form of tasks where the tasks may be earlier carried out by a dedicated hardware.

[0064] At step

[0404] , the method comprises receiving, by the transceiver unit

[0302] at the policy execution engine (PEEGN)

[0104] , the request for fetching a set of resources required for instantiation of the at least one network function based at least on the predetermined policy. The request is received from the lifecycle manager (LM) module

[0102] ,

[0065] In one example, the request is for instantiation of the CNF. In another example, the request may be for instantiation of the VNF. The instantiation may be based at least on a predetermined policy. The set of resources refers to availability of resources for instantiation of the network function at a host. The set of resources determine if the hosts are available to instantiate the at least one network function.

[0066] The predetermined policy includes but may not be limited checking a resource availability of each of the resource from the set of resources, checking proximity of location of each of the resource, proper load balancing at each of the resource from the set of resources, and the like. The resource availability ensures that the selected resource has sufficient memory and storage to support the at least one network function. The proximity of location refers to checking each of the resources to select the resources are geographically closer to the user to reduce latency. The load balancing check refers to distributing workload evenly across the set of resources to prevent a single resource from becoming a bottleneck.

[0067] In one example, the LM module

[0102] is configured to receive the request generated from the user interface (UI). In an example, the UI is a Command Line Interface (CLI). In another example, the UI is a Graphical User Interface (GUI). The user may send the request via the UI. The user may be one of a system operator or a network operator. If the request is for the instantiation of the CNF, the transceiver unit

[0302] receives the request from the CNFLM [102-1], In another example, if the request is for the instantiation of the VNF, the transceiver unit [102-2] receives the request from the VLM [102-2],

[0068] At step

[0406] , the method comprises querying, by the processing unit

[0304] at the PEEGN

[0104] , the physical virtual inventory manager (PVIM) module

[0106] for retrieving the set of resources, and the region data related to the at least one network function. The region data refers to information that is specific to a particular geographical area or region within the network.

[0069] Next, at step

[0408] , the method comprises selecting, by the processing unit

[0304] at the PEEGN

[0104] , at least one host for instantiation of the at least one network function, based on at least one of the retrieved set of resources and the predetermined policy. The processing unit

[0304] selects the appropriate host where the instantiation of the at least one network function may be performed. The method

[0400] ensures that the host is selected based on the requirements of the at least one network function and based on accurate information of the set of hosts and configuration associated with the set of hosts.

[0070] The method terminates at step

[0410] ,

[0071] Referring to FIG.5, an exemplary flow diagram depicting the method for instantiation of at least one network function, in accordance with exemplary implementations of the present disclosure, is shown. The method

[0500] starts at step

[0502] ,

[0072] At step

[0504] , the user may initiate a trigger and send the request via a user interface (UI)

[0502] , to fetch a set of resources required for instantiation of the at least one network function. The instantiation refers to a process of creation of an instance of the at least one network function. The at least one network function comprises at least one of container network functions (CNFs), and virtual network functions (VNFs). The request may be sent by the UI

[0502] to one of the CNFLM [102-1] or the VLM [102-2], In one example, if the instantiation of the CNF is triggered, the UI

[0502] may send the request at the CNFLM [102-1], In another example, if the instantiation of the VNF is triggered, the UI

[0502] may send the request at the VLM [102-2],

[0073] At step

[0504] , the request to retrieve the set of resources and the region data may be sent to the PEEGN

[0104] from one of the CNFLM [102-1] or the VLM [102-2], In one example, if the instantiation of the CNF is triggered, the CNFLM [102-1] sends the request to the PEEGN

[0104] , In another example, if the instantiation of the VNF is triggered, the VLM [102-2] sends the request to the PEEGN

[0104] ,

[0074] Further, at step

[0506] , the request is forwarded to the PVIM

[0106] to fetch the set of resources and the region data. The region data includes but may not be limited to one of the site detail information, the pod detail information, the required configuration information, the maximum number of instances information, and combinations thereof.

[0075] Further, at step

[0508] , based on the request, the PVIM

[0106] may fetch the set of resources and the region data stored in the database

[0108] , In one example, the set of resources and the region data is stored at the database

[0108] , where the database

[0108] is communicably coupled with the PVIM

[0106] , The set of resources includes at least one free resource and at least one used resource. The at least one free resource refers to a resource available to perform an instantiation of the at least one network function. The at least one used resource refers to a resource not available to perform the instantiation of the at least one network function.

[0076] Further at step

[0510] , the PEEGN

[0104] receives the set of resources and the region data from the PVIM

[0106] as a response. Based on the predefined policy, the PEEGN

[0104] selects the appropriate host where the instantiation of the at least one network function may be performed. The predefined policy includes checking the resource availability of each of the resource from the set of resources, proximity of location of each of the resource, proper load balancing at each of the resource from the set of resources, and the like. The implementation method

[0500] ensures that the host is selected based on the requirements of the at least one network function and based on accurate information of the set of hosts and configuration associated with the set of hosts.

[0077] The present disclosure further discloses a non-transitory computer readable storage medium storing instructions for instantiation of at least one network function, the instructions include executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system, cause a transceiver unit

[0302] to receive, at a policy execution engine (PEEGN)

[0104] , from a lifecycle manager (LM) module

[0102] , a request to fetch a set of resources required for instantiation of the at least one network function based at least on a predetermined policy. The instructions when executed by the system further cause a processing unit

[0304] to query, at the PEEGN

[0104] , a physical virtual inventory manager (PVIM) module

[0106] to retrieve the set of resources, and a region data related to the at least one network function. The instructions when executed by the system further cause the processing unit

[0304] to select, at the PEEGN

[0104] , at least one host for instantiation of the at least one network function based on at least one of the retrieved set of resources and the predetermined policy.

[0078] As is evident from the above, the present disclosure provides a technically advanced solution for instantiation of at least one network function. The present solution provides a method and system for instantiation of at least one network function. The present disclosure further provides a system and a method for sharing information of hosts from an inventory that helps providing the proper hosts information with required configuration. Further, the present disclosureto provide a solution that helps policy execution microservice to decide correctively about the hosts where CNFC’s need to be instantiated.

[0079] While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the disclosed implementations, it will be appreciated that many implementations can be made and that many changes can be made to the implementations without departing from the principles of the present disclosure. These and other changes in the implementations of the present disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, whereby it is to be understood that the foregoing descriptive matter to be implemented is illustrative and non-limiting.

[0080] Further, in accordance with the present disclosure, it is to be acknowledged that the functionality described for the various components / units can be implemented interchangeably. While specific embodiments may disclose a particular functionality of these units for clarity, it is recognized that various configurations and combinations thereof are within the scope of the disclosure. The functionality of specific units as disclosed in the disclosure should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present disclosure. Consequently, alternative arrangements and substitutions of units, provided they achieve the intended functionality described herein, are considered to be encompassed within the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A method for instantiation of at least one network function, the method comprising:- receiving, by a transceiver unit [302] at a policy execution engine (PEEGN) [104], from a lifecycle manager (LM) module, a request for fetching a set of resources required for instantiation of the at least one network function, based at least on a predetermined policy;- querying, by a processing unit [304] at the PEEGN [104], a physical virtual inventory manager (PVIM) module [106] for retrieving the set of resources, and a region data related to the at least one network function; and- selecting, by the processing unit [304] at the PEEGN [104], at least one host for instantiation of the at least one network function, based on at least one of the retrieved set of resources and the predetermined policy.

2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the at least one network function comprises at least one of container network functions (CNFs), and virtual network functions (VNFs).

3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the LM module [102] receives a request for instantiation of the at least one network function from a user interface (UI).

4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the region data comprises at least one of a site detail information, a pod detail information, a required configuration information, a maximum number of instances information, and combinations thereof.

5. A system for instantiating at least one network function, the system comprising:- a transceiver unit [302] configured to receive, at a policy execution engine (PEEGN) [104], from a lifecycle manager (LM) module [102], a request to fetch a set of resources required for instantiation of the at least one network function based at least on a predetermined policy; and- a processing unit [304] configured to:- query, at the PEEGN [104], a physical virtual inventory manager (PVIM) module [106] to retrieve the set of resources, and a region data related to the at least one network function; and- select, at the PEEGN [104], at least one host for instantiation of the at least one network function based on at least one of the retrieved set of resources and the predetermined policy.

6. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the at least one network function comprises at least one of container network functions (CNFs), and virtual network functions (VNFs).

7. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the LM module [102] is configured to receive a request for instantiation of at least the network function from a user interface (UI).

8. The system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the region data comprises at least one of a site detail information, a pod detail information, a required configuration information, a maximum number of instances information, and combinations thereof.

9. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions for identifying network anomalies, the storage medium comprising executable code which, when executed by one or more units of a system [300], causes:- a transceiver unit [302] to receive, at a policy execution engine (PEEGN) [104], from a lifecycle manager (LM) module [102], a request to fetch a set of resources required for instantiation of the at least one network function based at least on a predetermined policy; and- a processing unit [304] to:- query, at the PEEGN [104], a physical virtual inventory manager (PVIM) module [106] to retrieve the set of resources, and a region data related to the at least one network function; and- select, at the PEEGN [104], at least one host for instantiation of the at least one network function based on at least the retrieved set of resources and the predetermined policy.

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