Container cluster management method and related apparatus

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of communications, and in particular to a container cluster management method and a related apparatus. The method comprises: receiving a first configuration request message from a first consumer entity, wherein the first configuration request message comprises identification information of a first physical resource pool and identification information of at least one first container cluster; and associating the first physical resource pool with the at least one first container cluster. By using the method, the utilization rate of a physical resource pool in container cluster management in a multi-tenant scenario can be improved.

Description

A container cluster management method and related device

[0001] The present application claims priority to the Chinese patent application No. 202410822902.7, filed on June 24, 2024, and entitled "A container cluster management method and related device", the whole content of which is incorporated herein by reference. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to the field of communication technology, in particular to a container cluster management method and related device. BACKGROUND

[0003] Container cluster management in the function framework of network function virtualization management and orchestration (NFV-MANO) is a multi-tenant resource usage scenario. In an environment where the overall NFV infrastructure physical resources are limited, the weak scalability of physical resources makes it difficult to call the physical resource management interface function provided by the physical infrastructure management (PIM) as needed to meet the dynamic changes in the capacity usage of physical resources by multi-container clusters, thereby resulting in low efficiency of the use of NFV infrastructure (NFVI) physical resources. SUMMARY

[0004] To solve the above problems, the present application provides a container cluster management method and related device for allocating physical resources using a physical resource pool, which can improve the efficiency of the use of physical resources in a multi-tenant scenario for container cluster management.

[0005] The present application is described below from multiple aspects. It should be easily understood that the implementation modes of the following multiple aspects can be mutually referenced.

[0006] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a container cluster management method, which is applicable to PIM. The method comprises: receiving a first configuration request message from a first consumer entity. Here, the first configuration request message comprises identification information of a first physical resource pool and identification information of at least one first container cluster. The first physical resource pool is associated with the at least one first container cluster.

[0007] In the embodiments of the present application, the dynamic association between the physical resource pool and the container cluster can be achieved through the interaction between the PIM and the first consumer entity. By using this scheme, the container cluster can use the physical resource pool on demand instead of using a fixedly configured physical resource pool, so that the utilization rate of the physical resource pool can be improved, and the construction cost of the physical resource pool can be reduced. Therefore, by using the scheme provided in the present application, the problem of low utilization rate of the physical resource pool in the bare-metal container cluster management scenario can be solved to support the deployment and life cycle management of the bare-metal container cluster.

[0008] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first configuration request message further includes first indication information. Here, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

[0009] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a second response message to the first consumer entity. Here, the second response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully associated with the at least one first container cluster.

[0010] In the above implementation, the PIM in the container cluster management system can send a response message to the first consumer entity to indicate whether the physical resource pool is successfully associated with the container cluster, so that the reliability of the container cluster management system can be improved.

[0011] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a first creation request message from the first consumer entity. Here, the first creation request message includes the identification information of the at least one first physical resource. The first physical resource pool is created. Here, the first physical resource pool includes the at least one first physical resource. A first response message is sent to the first consumer entity. Here, the first response message includes the identification information of the first physical resource pool.

[0012] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the first creation request message further includes the identification information of a network function virtualization infrastructure point of presence (NFVI-PoP) where the at least one first physical resource is located, and / or the identification information of at least one sub-physical resource pool included in the first physical resource pool.

[0013] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a second configuration request message from the first consumer entity. Here, the second configuration request message includes the identification information of the first physical resource pool. The first physical resource pool is disassociated from the at least one first container cluster.

[0014] In the implementation, the dynamic disassociation of the physical resource pool and the container cluster management can be achieved through the interaction between the PIM and the first consumer entity. With the scheme, the container cluster can use the physical resource pool on demand instead of using a fixed physical resource pool, so that the utilization of the physical resource pool can be improved and the use efficiency of the physical resource in the multi-tenant scenario of the container cluster management can be improved. Therefore, the scheme provided in the application can solve the problem of low utilization of the physical resource pool in the bare-metal container cluster management scenario.

[0015] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a third response message to the first consumer entity. Here, the third response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool and the at least one first container cluster are successfully disassociated.

[0016] In the implementation, the PIM in the container cluster management system can send a response message to the first consumer entity to indicate whether the physical resource pool and the container cluster are successfully disassociated, so that the reliability of the container cluster management system can be improved.

[0017] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: receiving a deletion request message from the first consumer entity. Here, the deletion request message includes the identification information of the first physical resource pool. The first physical resource pool is deleted, and the first physical resource pool is disassociated from the at least one first physical resource.

[0018] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: disassociating the first physical resource pool from the at least one sub-physical resource pool.

[0019] With reference to the first aspect, in a possible implementation, the method further includes: sending a fifth response message to the first consumer entity, where the fifth response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully deleted.

[0020] In the implementation, the PIM in the container cluster management system can send a response message to the first consumer entity to indicate whether the physical resource pool is successfully deleted, so that the reliability of the container cluster management system can be improved.

[0021] The second aspect, the embodiments of the application provide a container cluster management method, suitable for a first consumer entity. The method includes: sending a first configuration request message to a PIM. Here, the first configuration request message includes identification information of a first physical resource pool and identification information of at least one first container cluster. Receiving a second response message from the PIM. Here, the second response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool and the at least one first container cluster are successfully associated.

[0022] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first configuration request message further comprises first indication information. Here, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

[0023] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further comprises: sending a first creation request message to the PIM. Here, the first creation request message comprises identification information of the at least one first physical resource. Receiving a first response message from the PIM. Here, the first response message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool.

[0024] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the first creation request message further comprises identification information of an NFVI-PoP where the at least one first physical resource is located, and / or identification information of at least one sub-physical resource pool contained in the first physical resource pool.

[0025] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further comprises: sending a second configuration request message to the PIM. Here, the second configuration request message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool. Receiving a third response message from the PIM. Here, the third response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully disassociated from the at least one first container cluster.

[0026] With reference to the second aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further comprises: sending a deletion request message to the PIM. Here, the deletion request message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool. Receiving a fifth response message from the PIM, wherein the fifth response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully deleted.

[0027] It should be understood that the container cluster management method provided by the second aspect above is used to cooperate with the container cluster management method provided by the first aspect above, and thus can achieve the same beneficial effects. In order to avoid redundancy, the same will not be repeated.

[0028] In a third aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a container cluster management method, which is applicable to container infrastructure service cluster management (CIS cluster management, also referred to as CCM for short). It should be understood that CCM can also be referred to as container cluster management. The method comprises: receiving a second creation request message from a second consumer entity. Here, the second creation request message comprises identification information of a container infrastructure service cluster descriptor (CIS cluster descriptor, also referred to as CCD for short) and identification information of a second physical resource pool. It should be understood that CCD can also be referred to as container cluster descriptor. A second container cluster is created according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool. Here, the second physical resource pool is a physical resource pool that can be used by the second container cluster.

[0029] In the above implementation, through the interaction between the CCM and the second consumer entity, the CCM can use the physical resources in the specified second physical resource pool to create the second container cluster. In this way, the second container cluster can use the physical resource pool on demand rather than using a fixed physical resource pool, so that the utilization rate of the physical resource pool can be improved, and the building cost of the physical resource pool can be reduced. Therefore, by using the scheme provided in the present application, the problem of low utilization rate of the physical resource pool in the bare-metal container cluster scenario can be solved.

[0030] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, creating the second container cluster according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool comprises: determining the CCD and the second physical resource pool according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool. The second container cluster is created based on the cluster description information included in the CCD on the physical resources included in the second physical resource pool.

[0031] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second creation request message further comprises second indication information. Here, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster.

[0032] In combination with the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, in a case where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second physical resource pool cannot be exclusively used by the second container cluster, the second container cluster is created based on at least one second physical resource that is not used in the second physical resource pool.

[0033] With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second container cluster is created based on the second physical resource pool in a case where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster. Here, the second physical resource pool is not used by other container clusters except the second container cluster.

[0034] With reference to the third aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the method further includes: sending a fourth response message to the second consumer entity. Here, the fourth response message includes the identification information of the second container cluster.

[0035] In the fourth aspect, the embodiments of the present application provide a container cluster management method, which is applicable to a second consumer entity. The method includes: sending a second creation request message to a CCM. Here, the second creation request message includes identification information of a CCD and identification information of a second physical resource pool. Receiving a fourth response message from the CCM. Here, the fourth response message includes identification information of a second container cluster, the second container cluster is created based on the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool, and the second physical resource pool is a physical resource pool that can be used by the second container cluster.

[0036] With reference to the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second container cluster is created based on cluster description information included in the CCD on physical resources included in the second physical resource pool.

[0037] With reference to the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second creation request message further includes second indication information. Here, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster.

[0038] With reference to the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, in a case where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second physical resource pool cannot be exclusively used by the second container cluster, the second container cluster is created based on at least one second physical resource that is not used in the second physical resource pool.

[0039] With reference to the fourth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second container cluster is created based on the second physical resource pool in a case where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster. Here, the second physical resource pool is not used by other container clusters except the second container cluster.

[0040] It should be understood that the container cluster management method provided by the fourth aspect above is used to cooperate with the container cluster management method provided by the third aspect above, and thus the same beneficial effects can be achieved. In order to avoid redundancy, the description will not be repeated.

[0041] In a fifth aspect, the present application provides a container cluster management apparatus, which can be the PIM mentioned in the first aspect. The container cluster management apparatus comprises modules, units or means corresponding to the above-mentioned method, which can be implemented by hardware, software or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software comprises one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0042] In some possible designs, the container cluster management apparatus comprises a transceiver unit and a processing unit. The transceiver unit (also referred to as a transceiver module) is configured to receive a first configuration request message from a first consumer entity. Here, the first configuration request message comprises identification information of a first physical resource pool and identification information of at least one first container cluster. The processing unit (also referred to as a processing module) is configured to associate the first physical resource pool with the at least one first container cluster.

[0043] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first configuration request message further comprises first indication information. Here, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

[0044] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to send a second response message to the first consumer entity. Here, the second response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully associated with the at least one first container cluster.

[0045] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a first creation request message from the first consumer entity. Here, the first creation request message comprises identification information of at least one first physical resource. The processing unit is further configured to create the first physical resource pool. Here, the first physical resource pool comprises the at least one first physical resource. The transceiver unit is further configured to send a first response message to the first consumer entity. Here, the first response message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool.

[0046] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the first creation request message further comprises identification information of an NFVI-PoP where the at least one first physical resource is located, and / or identification information of at least one sub-physical resource pool contained in the first physical resource pool.

[0047] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation, the transceiver unit is further configured to receive a second configuration request message from the first consumer entity. Here, the second configuration request message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool. The processing unit is further configured to disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one first container cluster.

[0048] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation form of the fifth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to send a third response message to the first consumer entity. The third response message is configured to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully disassociated from the at least one first container cluster.

[0049] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation form of the fifth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to receive a deletion request message from the first consumer entity. The deletion request message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool. The processing unit is further configured to delete the first physical resource pool and disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one first physical resource.

[0050] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation form of the fifth aspect, the processing unit is further configured to disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one sub-physical resource pool.

[0051] With reference to the fifth aspect, in a possible implementation form of the fifth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to send a fifth response message to the first consumer entity. The fifth response message is configured to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully deleted.

[0052] According to a sixth aspect, a container cluster management apparatus is provided. The container cluster management apparatus can be the first consumer entity of the second aspect. The container cluster management apparatus comprises modules, units or means corresponding to the method described above, which can be implemented by hardware, software or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software comprises one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0053] In some possible designs, the container cluster management apparatus comprises a transceiver. The transceiver (also referred to as a transceiving module) is configured to send a first configuration request message to a PIM. The first configuration request message comprises identification information of a first physical resource pool and identification information of at least one first container cluster. The transceiver is further configured to receive a second response message from the PIM. The second response message is configured to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully associated with the at least one first container cluster.

[0054] With reference to the sixth aspect, in a possible implementation form of the sixth aspect, the first configuration request message further comprises first indication information. The first indication information is configured to indicate whether the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

[0055] In a possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to send a first creation request message to the PIM. The first creation request message includes the identification information of the at least one first physical resource. The transceiver is further configured to receive a first response message from the PIM. The first response message includes the identification information of the first physical resource pool.

[0056] In a possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the first creation request message further includes identification information of a NFVI-PoP in which the at least one first physical resource is located, and / or identification information of at least one sub-physical resource pool included in the first physical resource pool.

[0057] In a possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to send a second configuration request message to the PIM. The second configuration request message includes the identification information of the first physical resource pool. The transceiver is further configured to receive a third response message from the PIM. The third response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully disassociated from the at least one first container cluster.

[0058] In a possible implementation manner of the sixth aspect, the transceiver is further configured to send a deletion request message to the PIM. The deletion request message includes the identification information of the first physical resource pool. The transceiver is further configured to receive a fifth response message from the PIM. The fifth response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully deleted.

[0059] In a seventh aspect, the present application provides a container cluster management apparatus. The container cluster management apparatus can be the CCM mentioned in the third aspect. The container cluster management apparatus includes modules, units or means corresponding to the above-mentioned method, which can be implemented by hardware, software or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0060] In some possible designs, the container cluster management apparatus includes a transceiver and a processing unit. The transceiver (also referred to as a transceiving module) is configured to receive a second creation request message from a second consumer entity. The second creation request message includes identification information of a CCD and identification information of a second physical resource pool. The processing unit (also referred to as a processing module) is configured to create a second container cluster according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool. The second physical resource pool is a physical resource pool available to the second container cluster.

[0061] With reference to the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the processing unit is further configured to determine the CCD and the second physical resource pool according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool. The processing unit is further configured to create the second container cluster on the physical resources included in the second physical resource pool based on the cluster description information included in the CCD.

[0062] With reference to the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second creation request message further includes second indication information. Here, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster.

[0063] With reference to the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, in a case where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second physical resource pool cannot be exclusively used by the second container cluster, the second container cluster is created based on at least one second physical resource that is not used in the second physical resource pool.

[0064] With reference to the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, in a case where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster, the second container cluster is created based on the second physical resource pool. Here, the second physical resource pool is not used by any container cluster other than the second container cluster.

[0065] With reference to the seventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the transceiver is further configured to send a fourth response message to the second consumer entity. Here, the fourth response message includes identification information of the second container cluster.

[0066] An eighth aspect, the present application provides a container cluster management apparatus, which can be the second consumer entity mentioned in the fourth aspect. The container cluster management apparatus includes modules, units or means corresponding to the above-mentioned method, which can be implemented by hardware, software or by hardware executing corresponding software. The hardware or software includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above-mentioned functions.

[0067] In some possible designs, the container cluster management apparatus includes a transceiver. The transceiver (also referred to as a transceiving module) is configured to send a second creation request message to the CCM. Here, the second creation request message includes identification information of a CCD and identification information of a second physical resource pool. The transceiver is further configured to receive a fourth response message from the CCM. Here, the fourth response message includes identification information of a second container cluster, the second container cluster being created based on the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool, and the second physical resource pool being a physical resource pool that can be used by the second container cluster.

[0068] With reference to the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second container cluster is created based on the cluster description information included in the CCD on the physical resources included in the second physical resource pool.

[0069] With reference to the eighth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the second creation request message further includes second indication information. Here, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the second physical resource pool can be exclusively occupied by the second container cluster.

[0070] The ninth aspect, the present application provides a computer program product, the computer program product includes instructions, when the instructions run on the computer, make the computer execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, or execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect, or execute the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect, or execute the method in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect.

[0071] The tenth aspect, the present application provides a computer readable storage medium, the computer readable storage medium has computer program, when the computer program is executed, execute the method in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, or execute the method in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect, or execute the method in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect, or execute the method in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect.

[0072] The eleventh aspect, the present application provides a container cluster management device, including at least one processor. The at least one processor is used to execute the method of any aspect described above or any possible implementation manner of any aspect described above. The container cluster management device can be the PIM in the first aspect described above, or the device containing the PIM, or the device contained in the PIM; or, the container cluster management device can be the first consumer entity in the second aspect described above, or the device containing the first consumer entity, or the device contained in the first consumer entity; or, the container cluster management device can be the CCM in the third aspect described above, or the device containing the CCM, or the device contained in the CCM; or, the container cluster management device can be the second consumer entity in the fourth aspect described above, or the device containing the second consumer entity, or the device contained in the second consumer entity.

[0073] With reference to the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the container cluster management apparatus further includes a memory for storing necessary program instructions and data (i.e., computer programs).

[0074] With reference to the eleventh aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the memory can be coupled with the processor, or can be independent of the processor.

[0075] With reference to the twelfth aspect, the chip system includes at least a processor. The processor is configured to execute computer program instructions to enable an apparatus in which the chip system is installed to perform the method of any of the possible implementation manners of the first aspect, or perform the method of any of the possible implementation manners of the second aspect, or perform the method of any of the possible implementation manners of the third aspect, or perform the method of any of the possible implementation manners of the fourth aspect.

[0076] With reference to the twelfth aspect, in a possible implementation manner, the chip system further includes an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive computer program instructions and transmit the computer program instructions to the processor.

[0077] With reference to the thirteenth aspect, the container cluster management apparatus includes a processor and an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive a signal from another container cluster management apparatus outside the container cluster management apparatus and transmit the signal to the processor, or transmit a signal from the processor to another container cluster management apparatus outside the container cluster management apparatus. The processor is configured to implement the method of any of the aspects by using a logic circuit or executing computer programs or instructions. The container cluster management apparatus can be the PIM in the first aspect, or an apparatus including the PIM, or an apparatus included in the PIM, such as a chip system; or the container cluster management apparatus can be the first consumer entity in the second aspect, or an apparatus including the first consumer entity, or an apparatus included in the first consumer entity; or the container cluster management apparatus can be the CCM in the third aspect, or an apparatus including the CCM, or an apparatus included in the CCM; or the container cluster management apparatus can be the second consumer entity in the fourth aspect, or an apparatus including the second consumer entity, or an apparatus included in the second consumer entity.

[0078] In a fourteenth aspect, the present application provides a container cluster management system. The container cluster management system comprises a PIM, a first consumer entity, a CCM and a second consumer entity, the PIM is configured to perform the container cluster management method provided in the first aspect or any possible implementation manner of the first aspect, the first consumer entity is configured to perform the container cluster management method provided in the second aspect or any possible implementation manner of the second aspect, the CCM is configured to perform the container cluster management method provided in the third aspect or any possible implementation manner of the third aspect, and the second consumer entity is configured to perform the container cluster management method provided in the fourth aspect or any possible implementation manner of the fourth aspect.

[0079] In conclusion, the container cluster management method provided in the present application can improve the utilization rate of the physical resource pool in the bare-metal container cluster management scenario and reduce the building cost of the physical resource. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0080] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the architecture of a container cluster management system according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0081] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a container cluster management method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0082] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of another container cluster management method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0083] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a first physical resource pool according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0084] FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of another container cluster management method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0085] FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of another container cluster management method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0086] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of another container cluster management method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0087] FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of another container cluster management method according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0088] FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the structure of a container cluster management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0089] FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another container cluster management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0090] FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram of the structure of another container cluster management apparatus according to an embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0091] The technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely in conjunction with the drawings provided by the embodiments of the present application.

[0092] In the present application, "at least one" means one or more, and "multiple" means two or more. The association relationship of the associated objects is described by "and / or", which means that there can be three kinds of relationships, for example, A and / or B can represent the following three cases: A exists alone, A and B exist together, and B exists alone, where A and B can be singular or plural. In the textual description of the present application, the character " / " generally represents an "or" relationship between the associated objects before and after it; in the formulas of the present application, the character " / " represents a "division" relationship between the associated objects before and after it. "Including at least one of A, B and C" can mean: including A; including B; including C; including A and B; including A and C; including B and C; including A, B and C.

[0093] The technical solutions provided by the embodiments of the present application can be applied to various communication systems, for example, a 5th generation (5G) mobile communication network system, and can also be applied to subsequent evolution systems, such as a 6th generation 6G mobile communication network system.

[0094] The system architecture to which the embodiments of the present application are applied will be introduced below. It should be noted that the system architecture and business scenarios described in the present application are for more clearly illustrating the technical solutions of the present application, and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided by the present application. Those skilled in the art can know that, as the system architecture evolves and new business scenarios appear, the technical solutions provided by the present application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0095] Please refer to FIG. 1, which is an architecture schematic diagram of a container cluster management system provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 1, the container cluster management system 10 can include a physical infrastructure management PIM 11, a first consumer entity 12, a container cluster management CCM 13 and a second consumer entity 14.

[0096] It should be understood that the first consumer entity 12 can be a consumer entity of the PIM 11, and the second consumer entity 14 can be a consumer entity of the CCM 13. The PIM 11 and the first consumer entity 12 cooperate with each other, and the CCM 13 and the second consumer entity 14 cooperate with each other, which can be used to implement the container cluster management method provided by the present application.

[0097] Optionally, the first consumer entity 12 can be a CCM or a network function virtualization orchestrator (NFVO). The embodiments of the present application do not make a limitation in this regard.

[0098] Optionally, the second consumer entity 14 can be an NFVO, or can be an operations support system and business support system (OSS / BSS). The embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0099] It should be noted that the container cluster management system 10 can also be other OSS systems capable of invoking the function of the PIM 11, and the embodiments of the present application do not limit this.

[0100] Currently, the infrastructure revolution of the communication network is undergoing a process of evolution from NFV to cloud native. Cloud native is a new system implementation paradigm for building, running and managing software in a cloud environment, which fully utilizes cloud infrastructure and platform services, adapts to the cloud environment, and has the key features of (micro) service, elastic scaling, distribution, high availability, multi-tenancy and automation. In this revolution, introducing container management into the reference architecture of NFV management and orchestration (MANO) is a key link in the process of NFV moving towards cloud native.

[0101] As a lightweight operating system level virtualization technology, containerization technology isolates different processes through operating system isolation technology. Unlike hypervisor technology, containerization technology does not have virtual hardware, and there is no operating system inside the container, only processes. Therefore, compared with virtual machines, the capacity is more lightweight, and the management of containers is more convenient. In addition, a set of common management operations are defined for the running state of the container, which are used for unified life cycle management of the container. Exemplarily, the management operations can include starting, stopping, pausing and deleting.

[0102] The introduction of containerization technology in the process of cloud native evolution of the communication network brings a change in agility to the development and operation (DevOps) of the communication industry. Based on containerization technology, traditional large-grained monolithic network functions are gradually decomposed into service-oriented, and even further decomposed into microservice-oriented. Each service-oriented function can be independently developed, delivered and maintained, making version upgrades more frequent. In addition, stable application programming interface (API) definitions ensure the consistency and reliability of interface function calls, so that the explosive growth of the number of containerized network functions does not bring exponential growth of workload for interoperability testing.

[0103] Container infrastructure service management (CISM) can also be referred to as container as a service (CaaS) management, responsible for managing the container objects invoked by containerized virtualized network functions (VNFs). The management can include the creation, update and deletion of container objects, and can also include scheduling the container objects to corresponding node resources (such as computing resources, storage resources and network resources) in a node resource pool managed by the CISM. The CISM is also responsible for managing the process container infrastructure service (CIS) instances of the container user plane.

[0104] The CCM is responsible for managing the container cluster, including the creation and scaling of the node resource pool used by the container cluster. For example, allocating new virtual machines or bare-metal machines (BM) in the specified container cluster node resource pool. The container cluster usually contains one or more monitoring management processes and one or more container cluster nodes, which load the runtime work processes required to run the container objects. The container cluster is a dynamic system in which multiple containers can be deployed, and the status of the containers and the communication between the containers can be monitored by the system.

[0105] The scenarios for managing the container cluster in the NFV-MANO architecture mainly include virtual machine container cluster management and bare machine container cluster management. In the scenario of virtual machine container cluster management, the CCM calls the virtual resource management interface provided by the virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) to create the functions of the container cluster nodes, storage or network required for container cluster management. However, in the scenario of bare machine container cluster management, the southbound interface function of the CCM is not yet supported. If the above functions are extended to the bare machine container cluster scenario, the CCM can call the physical resource (computing, storage, network, software, etc.) management interface provided by the PIM to create the functions of the bare metal cluster nodes, storage or network.

[0106] Compared with virtual resources, physical resources can provide better security and more consistent performance for consumer functions (such as container clusters and VNFs), but have weaker scalability and lower efficiency in multi-tenant (or multiple container cluster) scenarios. The physical resource pool compensates for the weak scalability of a single physical resource due to the dynamic nature of the member physical resources entering and leaving the physical resource pool.

[0107] Since the container cluster management is a multi-tenant application scenario, in a network cloud environment where the overall physical resources are limited, if the CCM can invoke the physical resource pool management function provided by the PIM instead of directly invoking the physical resource management function, the physical resource pool can be elastically scaled on demand to meet the dynamic change demand of the capacity of the physical resources used by the multi-container cluster, and the physical resource pool can guarantee the sharing of the physical resources in the pool by a group of associated containers and be securely isolated from other container clusters, thereby better realizing the efficiency of the sharing of the physical resources by the multi-container cluster.

[0108] In summary, since there is no clear definition of how the CCM southbound invokes the management function of the physical resource pool in the bare-metal container cluster management scenario, if the physical resource pool is statically bound to the bare-metal container cluster, the bare-metal container cluster usually uses a fixedly configured physical resource pool in the processes of creating, updating and deleting the bare-metal container cluster, which results in a low utilization rate of the physical resource pool. Therefore, the scenario of the southbound interface call of the container cluster management needs a management mode that can meet a higher utilization rate of the physical resource pool to support the deployment and life cycle management of the bare-metal container cluster, i.e., the technical problem to be solved by the present application is how to improve the utilization rate of the physical resource pool in the bare-metal container cluster management scenario.

[0109] In combination with the above, the communication method of the embodiments of the present application is exemplarily introduced below.

[0110] Embodiment One

[0111] Please refer to FIG. 2, which is a flowchart of a container cluster management method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the container cluster management method can be applied to the container cluster management system 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the container cluster management method can include the following steps:

[0112] S201, the first consumer entity 12 sends a first configuration request message to the PIM 11. Correspondingly, the PIM 11 receives the first configuration request message.

[0113] In some possible implementation manners, after creating or updating a physical resource pool (for the sake of distinction, hereinafter referred to as a first physical resource pool), the first consumer entity 12 can generate a first configuration request message and send it to the PIM 11. Here, the first configuration request message can include the identification information of the first physical resource pool and the identification information of at least one container cluster (for the sake of distinction, hereinafter referred to as a first container cluster).

[0114] It should be understood that there can be multiple physical resource pools in the container cluster management system 10, and each of the physical resource pools can have a unique corresponding identifier. That is, the identifier of a physical resource pool can be used to determine the unique corresponding physical resource pool.

[0115] It should be noted that the at least one first container cluster is a container cluster that can use the first physical resource pool. It should be understood that a container cluster that can use a physical resource pool can also be referred to as a tenant. In a possible implementation, the tenant that can use a physical resource pool can be determined by the first consumer entity according to the deployment strategy of the operator.

[0116] Optionally, in the case of at least two first container clusters, the identifier of the at least two first container clusters can be a list of identifiers. It should be noted that the list of identifiers can include the at least two first container clusters and the identifier corresponding to each of the at least two first container clusters.

[0117] The physical resource pool can be composed of at least one physical resource, which can include servers, storage devices, network devices, and the like. It should be understood that a physical resource in the physical resource pool can be used by only one container cluster at the same time. In other words, a physical resource in the physical resource pool cannot be used by two container clusters at the same time.

[0118] In an optional embodiment, the first configuration request message can further include first indication information. Here, the first indication information can be used to indicate whether the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

[0119] In other words, the first indication information can be used to indicate whether each tenant that can use the first physical resource pool can use the physical resources in the first physical resource pool at the same time. Alternatively, the first indication information can be used to indicate whether the at least one first container cluster exclusively uses the first physical resource pool or shares the first physical resource pool.

[0120] It can be understood that when part of the physical resources in the physical resource pool are used by a certain container cluster, the part of the physical resources cannot be used by other container clusters at the same time. The other part of the physical resources in the physical resource pool can be allowed to be used by other container clusters or can not be allowed to be used by other container clusters, depending on whether the container cluster that can use the physical resource pool supports simultaneous use of the physical resource pool. In other words, this depends on whether the tenants that can use the physical resource pool exclusively use the physical resource pool or share the physical resource pool.

[0121] That is, in a case where a certain container cluster supports simultaneous use (or sharing) of the physical resource pool, when the certain container cluster uses part of the physical resource pool, other container clusters can use other parts of the physical resource pool that are not used. In a case where a certain container cluster does not support simultaneous use (or exclusive use) of the physical resource pool, when the certain container cluster uses part of the physical resource pool, other container clusters cannot use the physical resource pool.

[0122] It should be noted that the first indication information can be used to indicate whether each of the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool. That is, the at least one first container cluster that can use the first physical resource pool can all support simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool, or none of them can support simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

[0123] In a possible scenario, in a case where there are at least two first container clusters, the first indication information can be used to indicate that a part of the first container clusters support simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool, and another part of the first container clusters do not support simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

[0124] It should be understood that, in a case where there are at least two first container clusters, or in a case where at least two tenants can use the physical resources in the first physical resource pool, the first configuration request can include the first indication information to indicate whether the at least two tenants can share the first physical resource pool.

[0125] S202, the PIM 11 associates the first physical resource pool with the at least one first container cluster.

[0126] In some possible implementation manners, after receiving the first configuration request message, the PIM 11 can associate the first physical resource pool with the at least one first container cluster according to the identification information of the first physical resource pool and the identification information of the at least one first container cluster included in the first configuration request message. That is, the PIM 11 can establish an association relationship between the first physical resource pool and the at least one container cluster according to the identification information of the first physical resource pool and the identification information of the at least one first container cluster.

[0127] Optionally, in a case where the first configuration request message includes the first indication information, the PIM 11 can further determine, according to the first indication information, whether the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool, or the PIM 11 can determine, according to the first indication information, whether the at least one first container cluster is exclusive of the first physical resource pool or shares the first physical resource pool.

[0128] In the embodiments of the present application, the dynamic association between the physical resource pool and the container cluster can be achieved through the interaction between the PIM 11 and the first consumer entity 12. With this scheme, the container cluster can use the physical resource pool on demand instead of using a fixedly configured physical resource pool, so that the utilization of the physical resource pool can be improved. Therefore, with the scheme provided in the present application, the problem of low utilization of the physical resource pool in the bare-metal container cluster management scenario can be solved to support the deployment and lifecycle management of the bare-metal container cluster.

[0129] In some possible implementations, the method for managing the container cluster shown in FIG. 2 can further include step S203:

[0130] S203, the PIM 11 sends a second response message to the first consumer entity 12. Correspondingly, the first consumer entity 12 receives the second response message.

[0131] In some possible implementations, after associating the first physical resource pool with the at least one first container cluster, the PIM 11 can generate a second response message and send the second response message to the first consumer entity 12. Here, the second response message can be used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully associated with the at least one first container cluster.

[0132] In possible implementations, the PIM 11 can generate a seventh response message and send the seventh response message to the first consumer entity 12. Here, the seventh response message can be used to indicate that the association between the first physical resource pool and the at least one first container cluster fails.

[0133] In possible implementations, if the first consumer entity 12 does not receive the second response message sent by the PIM 11 within a preset time period after sending the first configuration request message, it can be determined that the association between the first physical resource pool and the at least one first container cluster fails.

[0134] Further, the first consumer entity 12 can send a configuration request message to the PIM 11 again to associate the first physical resource pool with the at least one first container cluster. The specific process is similar to the process of sending the first configuration request message described above, and reference can be made to the description of the related content above, which will not be repeated here.

[0135] In the above implementation, the PIM 11 can send a response message to the first consumer entity 12 to indicate whether the association between the physical resource pool and the container cluster succeeds, so that the reliability of the container cluster management system 10 can be improved.

[0136] In some possible implementation, referring to FIG. 3, FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of another method for managing a container cluster according to an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that steps S204, S205 and S206 can be performed before step S201. As shown in FIG. 3, the method for managing a container cluster can further include the following steps:

[0137] S204, the first consumer entity 12 sends a first creation request message to the PIM 11. Correspondingly, the PIM 11 receives the first creation request message.

[0138] In some possible implementation, the first consumer entity 12 can generate the first creation request message and send the first creation request message to the PIM 11. Here, the first creation request message can include identification information of at least one physical resource (hereinafter referred to as first physical resource for the sake of distinction).

[0139] The first physical resource pool contains at least one physical resource, which can also be referred to as at least one member physical resource of the first physical resource pool.

[0140] In an optional implementation, the first creation request message can further include identification information of an NFVI-PoP where the at least one first physical resource is located, and / or identification information of at least one sub-physical resource pool (hereinafter referred to as first sub-physical resource pool for the sake of distinction) contained in the first physical resource pool.

[0141] The NFVI-PoP information of the physical resource can also be understood as a site where the physical resource is located, which can be used to determine the geographical location of the physical resource.

[0142] The at least one first sub-physical resource pool contained in the first physical resource pool can also be understood as at least one other physical resource pool nested in the first physical resource pool. That is, in addition to containing at least one physical resource, the first physical resource pool can also have at least one physical resource pool nested therein. Similarly, the nested physical resource pool can contain at least one physical resource, or at least one sub-physical resource pool, or at least one nested physical resource pool.

[0143] For example, referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of a first physical resource pool according to an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 4, the first physical resource pool can contain physical resource A and physical resource B, and further include a sub-physical resource pool.

[0144] S205, the PIM 11 creates the first physical resource pool.

[0145] In some possible implementation, after receiving the first creation request message, the PIM 11 can create the first physical resource pool according to the identification information contained therein.

[0146] In an alternative implementation, in the case that the first creation request message comprises the identification information of the at least one first physical resource, the PIM 11 can create the first physical resource pool comprising the at least one first physical resource based on the identification information.

[0147] In yet another alternative implementation, in the case that the first creation request message comprises the identification information of the at least one first physical resource and the identification information of the NFVI-PoP where the at least one first physical resource is located, the PIM 11 can create the first physical resource pool comprising the at least one first physical resource based on the two identification information, and can determine the geographical location of the at least one first physical resource.

[0148] In yet another alternative implementation, in the case that the first creation request message comprises the identification information of the at least one first physical resource and the identification information of the at least one first sub-physical resource pool comprised by the first physical resource pool, the PIM 11 can create the first physical resource pool comprising the at least one first physical resource and the at least one first sub-physical resource pool based on the two identification information.

[0149] In yet another alternative implementation, in the case that the first creation request message comprises the identification information of the at least one first physical resource, the identification information of the NFVI-PoP where the at least one first physical resource is located, and the identification information of the at least one first sub-physical resource pool comprised by the first physical resource pool, the PIM 11 can create the first physical resource pool comprising the at least one first physical resource and the at least one first sub-physical resource pool based on the three identification information, and can determine the geographical location of the at least one first physical resource.

[0150] S206, the PIM 11 sends a first response message to the first consumer entity 12. Correspondingly, the first consumer entity 12 receives the first response message.

[0151] In some possible implementations, after the first physical resource pool is created, the PIM 11 can generate and send a first response message to the first consumer entity 12. Here, the first response message can comprise the identification information of the first physical resource pool.

[0152] Optionally, after the first physical resource pool is created, the PIM 11 can assign a unique identification information to the first physical resource pool. Further, the PIM 11 can generate and send a first response message to the first consumer entity 12 according to the identification information of the first physical resource pool.

[0153] In a possible implementation, the PIM 11 can generate an eighth response message and send the eighth response message to the first consumer entity 12. Here, the eighth response message can be used to indicate that the first physical resource pool creation fails.

[0154] In a possible implementation, if the first consumer entity 12 does not receive the first response message sent by the PIM 11 within a preset time period after sending the first creation request message, it can be determined that the first physical resource pool creation fails.

[0155] Further, the first consumer entity 12 can send a first creation request message to the PIM 11 again to create the first physical resource pool. The specific process is similar to the process of sending the first creation request message described above, and details are described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0156] In some possible implementations, referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of another method for managing a container cluster provided by an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that steps S207, S208 and S209 can be performed before step S201. As shown in FIG. 5, the method for managing the container cluster can further include the following steps:

[0157] S207, the first consumer entity 12 sends an update request message to the PIM 11. Correspondingly, the PIM 11 receives the update request message.

[0158] In some possible implementations, the first consumer entity 12 can first generate an update request message and send the update request message to the PIM 11. The update request message can include the identification information of the first physical resource pool and the identification information of at least one physical resource (hereinafter referred to as third physical resource for easy distinction).

[0159] In an optional implementation, the update request message can further include the identification information of at least one NFVI-PoP of the third physical resource, and / or the identification information of at least one second sub-physical resource pool (hereinafter referred to as second sub-physical resource pool for easy distinction) included in the first physical resource pool.

[0160] It should be noted that the identification information of at least one NFVI-PoP of the third physical resource and the identification information of at least one second sub-physical resource pool included in the first physical resource pool have similar functions to the identification information of at least one NFVI-PoP of the first physical resource and the identification information of at least one first sub-physical resource pool included in the first physical resource pool, and details are described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0161] S208, the PIM 11 updates the first physical resource pool.

[0162] In some possible implementation manners, after receiving the update request message, the PIM 11 can update the first physical resource pool according to the identification information contained in the update request message.

[0163] In an optional implementation manner, in a case where the update request message comprises the identification information of the first physical resource pool and the identification information of the at least one third physical resource, the PIM 11 can first determine, based on the identification information, that the physical resource pool to be updated is the first physical resource pool, and further update the physical resource contained in the first physical resource pool from the at least one first physical resource to the at least one third physical resource.

[0164] In another optional implementation manner, in a case where the update request message comprises the identification information of the first physical resource pool, the identification information of the at least one third physical resource and the identification information of the NFVI-PoP to which the at least one third physical resource belongs, the PIM 11 can first determine, based on the identification information, that the physical resource pool to be updated is the first physical resource pool. Further, the PIM 11 can update the physical resource contained in the first physical resource pool from the at least one first physical resource to the at least one third physical resource, and determine the geographical location where the at least one third physical resource is located.

[0165] In another optional implementation manner, in a case where the update request message comprises the identification information of the first physical resource pool, the identification information of the at least one third physical resource and the identification information of the at least one first sub-physical resource pool contained in the first physical resource pool, the PIM 11 can first determine, based on the identification information, that the physical resource pool to be updated is the first physical resource pool. Further, the PIM 11 can update the physical resource contained in the first physical resource pool from the at least one first physical resource to the at least one third physical resource, and update the sub-physical resource pool contained in the first physical resource pool from the at least one first sub-physical resource pool to the at least one second sub-physical resource pool.

[0166] In another optional implementation manner, in a case where the update request message comprises the identification information of the first physical resource pool, the identification information of the at least one third physical resource, the identification information of the NFVI-PoP to which the at least one third physical resource belongs and the identification information of the at least one first sub-physical resource pool contained in the first physical resource pool, the PIM 11 can first determine, based on the identification information, that the physical resource pool to be updated is the first physical resource pool. Further, the PIM 11 can update the physical resource contained in the first physical resource pool from the at least one first physical resource to the at least one third physical resource, and update the sub-physical resource pool contained in the first physical resource pool from the at least one first sub-physical resource pool to the at least one second sub-physical resource pool, and can determine the geographical location where the at least one third physical resource is located.

[0167] S209, the PIM 11 sends a sixth response message to the first consumer entity 12. Correspondingly, the first consumer entity 12 receives the sixth response message.

[0168] In some possible implementation, after completing the update of the first physical resource pool, the PIM 11 can generate and send a sixth response message to the first consumer entity 12. Here, the sixth response message can be used to indicate that the update of the first physical resource pool is successful.

[0169] In a possible implementation, the PIM 11 can generate and send a ninth response message to the first consumer entity 12. Here, the ninth response message can be used to indicate that the update of the first physical resource pool fails.

[0170] In a possible implementation, if the first consumer entity 12 does not receive the sixth response message sent by the PIM 11 within a preset time period after sending the update request message, it can be determined that the update of the first physical resource pool fails.

[0171] Further, the first consumer entity 12 can send an update request message to the PIM 11 again to update the first physical resource pool. The specific process is similar to the process of sending the update request message described above, and details are described above, which will not be repeated here.

[0172] In some possible implementation, referring to FIG. 6, FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of another method for managing a container cluster provided by an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, steps S210, S211 and S212 can be executed after step S203. As shown in FIG. 6, the method for managing a container cluster can further include the following steps:

[0173] S210, the first consumer entity 12 sends a second configuration request message to the PIM 11. Correspondingly, the PIM 11 receives the second configuration request message.

[0174] In some possible implementation, the first consumer entity 12 can generate a second configuration request message and send the second configuration request message to the PIM 11. Here, the second configuration request message can include the identification information of the first physical resource pool.

[0175] S211, the PIM 11 disassociates the first physical resource pool from the at least one first container cluster.

[0176] In some possible implementation, after receiving the second configuration request message, the PIM 11 can first determine the first physical resource pool according to the identification information contained in the second configuration request message, and further disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one first container cluster. In other words, the PIM 11 can disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one container cluster according to the first identification information.

[0177] S212, the PIM 11 sends a third response message to the first consumer entity 12. Correspondingly, the first consumer entity 12 receives the third response message.

[0178] In some possible implementation, after the PIM disassociates the first physical resource pool from the at least one first container cluster, the PIM can generate a third response message and send the third response message to the first consumer entity 12. Here, the third response message can be used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully disassociated from the at least one first container cluster.

[0179] In a possible implementation, the PIM 11 can generate a tenth response message and send the tenth response message to the first consumer entity 12. Here, the tenth response message can be used to indicate that the disassociation of the first physical resource pool from the at least one first container cluster fails.

[0180] In a possible implementation, if the first consumer entity 12 does not receive the third response message sent by the PIM 11 within a preset time period after sending the second configuration request message, the first consumer entity 12 can determine that the disassociation of the first physical resource pool from the at least one first container cluster fails.

[0181] Further, the first consumer entity 12 can send a configuration request message to the PIM 11 again to disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one first container cluster. The specific process is similar to the process of sending the second configuration request message described above, and details are referred to the description of the related content above, which will not be repeated here.

[0182] In the above implementation, the dynamic disassociation of the physical resource pool and the container cluster management can be achieved through the interaction between the PIM 11 and the first consumer entity 12. By using the scheme, the container cluster can use the physical resource pool on demand rather than using a fixed physical resource pool, so that the utilization rate of the physical resource pool can be improved. Therefore, by using the scheme provided in the present application, the problem of low utilization rate of the physical resource pool in the bare-metal container cluster management scenario can be solved.

[0183] In some possible implementation, please refer to FIG. 7, which is a flow diagram of another method for managing a container cluster provided by an embodiment of the present application. It should be understood that steps S213, S214 and S215 can be executed after step S212. As shown in FIG. 7, the method for managing a container cluster can further include the following steps:

[0184] S213, the first consumer entity 12 sends a deletion request message to the PIM 11. Correspondingly, the PIM 11 receives the deletion request message.

[0185] In some possible implementation, the first consumer entity 12 can generate a delete request message and send the delete request message to the PIM 11. Here, the delete request message can comprise the identification information of the first physical resource pool.

[0186] In S214, the PIM 11 deletes the first physical resource pool and disassociates the first physical resource pool from the at least one first physical resource.

[0187] In some possible implementation, upon receiving the delete request message, the PIM 11 can delete the first physical resource pool according to the identification information comprised in the delete request message, and can disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one first physical resource. In other words, the PIM 11 can release the association between the first physical resource pool and the at least one first physical resource.

[0188] Optionally, in the case that the first physical resource pool further comprises at least one first sub-physical resource pool, the PIM 11 can further disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one first sub-physical resource pool, or in other words, the PIM 11 can release the association between the first physical resource pool and the at least one first sub-physical resource pool.

[0189] In S215, the PIM 11 sends a fifth response message to the first consumer entity 12. Correspondingly, the first consumer entity 12 receives the fifth response message.

[0190] In some possible implementation, upon deleting the first physical resource pool, the PIM 11 can generate a fifth response message and send the fifth response message to the first consumer entity 12. Here, the fifth response message can be used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully deleted.

[0191] In some possible implementation, the PIM 11 can generate an eleventh response message and send the eleventh response message to the first consumer entity 12. Here, the eleventh response message can be used to indicate that the deletion of the first physical resource pool fails.

[0192] In some possible implementation, if the first consumer entity 12 does not receive the fifth response message sent by the PIM 11 within a preset time period after sending the delete request message, the first consumer entity 12 can determine that the deletion of the first physical resource pool fails.

[0193] Further, the first consumer entity 12 can send another delete request message to the PIM 11 to delete the first physical resource pool. The specific process is similar to the process of sending the delete request message described above, and details are referred to the description of the above process.

[0194] By the container cluster management method described in Embodiment One, in the process of creating, updating or deleting the physical resource pool, the dynamic association and disassociation of the container cluster and the physical resource pool can be realized through the interaction between the PIM 11 and the first consumer entity 12. By using this scheme, the container cluster can use the physical resource pool on demand rather than using the fixedly configured physical resource pool, so that the utilization rate of the physical resource pool can be improved.

[0195] Another container cluster management method will be described below in combination with Embodiment Two. By this container cluster management method, in the process of creating the container cluster, the second consumer entity 14 can allocate the physical resource in the specified physical resource pool to the CCM 13. Further, the CCM 13 can create the container cluster according to the allocated physical resource pool. Through the interaction between the CCM 13 and the second consumer entity 14, the physical resource pool can be allocated to the container cluster, realizing the dynamic association of the container cluster and the physical resource pool. In this way, the container cluster can use the physical resource pool on demand rather than using the fixedly configured physical resource pool, so that the utilization rate of the physical resource pool can be improved.

[0196] Embodiment Two:

[0197] Please refer to FIG. 8, which is a flowchart of another container cluster management method provided by an embodiment of the present application. Optionally, the container cluster management method can be applicable to the container cluster management system 10 shown in FIG. 1. As shown in FIG. 8, the container cluster management method can include the following steps:

[0198] S801, the second consumer entity 14 sends a second creation request message to the CCM 13. Correspondingly, the CCM 13 receives the second creation request message.

[0199] In some possible implementation manners, the second consumer entity 14 can first generate the second creation request message and send the second creation request message to the CCM 13 to create the container cluster. Here, the second creation request message can include the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the physical resource pool (for the sake of distinction, referred to as the second physical resource pool hereinafter).

[0200] The identification information of the second physical resource pool can be used to determine its uniquely corresponding second physical resource pool. The second physical resource pool is the physical resource pool that can be used by the container cluster to be created (for the sake of distinction, the second container cluster will be used instead of the expression hereinafter).

[0201] In an optional implementation manner, the second creation request message can further include second indication information. Here, the second indication information can be used to indicate whether the second physical resource pool can be exclusively occupied by the second container cluster.

[0202] It should be noted that the container cluster capable of using the second physical resource pool can further include at least one other container cluster in addition to the second container cluster. It should be understood that the second container cluster can exclusively use the physical resources in the second physical resource pool, that is, when the second container cluster uses the second physical resource pool, other container clusters cannot simultaneously use the second physical resource pool. The second container cluster can also share the physical resources in the second physical resource pool with other container clusters, that is, when the second container cluster uses part of the physical resources in the second physical resource pool, other container clusters can also simultaneously use the unused physical resources in the second physical resource pool.

[0203] It can be understood that when the second indication information indicates that the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster, other container clusters cannot simultaneously use the second physical resource pool with the second container cluster. When the second indication information indicates that the second physical resource pool cannot be exclusively used by the second container cluster, the second container cluster can simultaneously use the second physical resource pool with other container clusters.

[0204] S802, the CCM 13 creates the second container cluster according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool.

[0205] In some possible implementation manners, after receiving the second creation request message, the CCM 13 can first create the second container cluster according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool included in the second creation request message.

[0206] Here, the second physical resource pool is a physical resource pool that can be used by the second container cluster. It can also be understood that the second container cluster has an association relationship with the second physical resource pool.

[0207] Optionally, after receiving the second creation request message, the CCM 13 can first determine the CCD and the second physical resource pool according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool. Further, the CCM 13 can create the second container cluster on the physical resources included in the second physical resource pool based on the cluster description information included in the CCD. It should be noted that the cluster description information can include meta data information required for creating the second container cluster.

[0208] It should be further noted that when creating the second container cluster, the CCM 13 needs to use the physical resources in the second physical resource pool to create container cluster nodes. That is, the CCM 13 can create the second container cluster on the second physical resource pool. Here, the container cluster node refers to a node constituting the container cluster, such as a physical server, a bare metal, a virtual machine, a physical computer, or a virtualized computing, storage, and network resource.

[0209] In an optional implementation, in a case where the second indication information indicates that the second physical resource pool cannot be exclusively used by the second container cluster, or in a case where the second indication information indicates that the second physical resource pool can be shared by multiple container clusters including the second container cluster, the second container cluster can be created based on at least one second physical resource in the second physical resource pool that is not used by other container clusters except the second container cluster. It should be noted that the at least one second physical resource is a physical resource that is not used by other container clusters except the second container cluster.

[0210] Optionally, the at least one second physical resource can be a bare-metal resource, such as a bare-metal node, a storage device, or a network device, and the like.

[0211] In yet another optional implementation, in a case where the second indication information indicates that the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster, the second container cluster can be created based on all physical resources in the second physical resource pool. Here, the second physical resource pool is not used by other container clusters except the second container cluster.

[0212] Optionally, when creating the container cluster based on the physical resources in the second physical resource pool, the CCM 13 can also reuse the network connections between the physical resources in the physical resource pool.

[0213] It should be noted that the second physical resource pool and the first physical resource pool described in the foregoing embodiment one can be the same physical resource pool, and the second container cluster can be one of the at least one first container cluster described in the foregoing embodiment one. The embodiments of the present application are not limited thereto.

[0214] In the implementation described above, through the interaction between the CCM 13 and the second consumer entity 14, the CCM 13 can use the physical resource pool in the specified second physical resource pool to create the second container cluster. In this way, the second container cluster can use the physical resource pool on demand rather than using a fixed physical resource pool, which can improve the utilization rate of the physical resource pool. Therefore, by using the scheme provided in the present application, the problem of low utilization rate of the physical resource pool in the bare-metal container cluster scenario can be solved.

[0215] In some possible implementations, the method for managing the container cluster shown in FIG. 8 can further include step S803:

[0216] S803. The CCM 13 sends a fourth response message to the second consumer entity 14. Correspondingly, the second consumer entity 14 receives the fourth response message.

[0217] In some possible implementation, after the CCM 13 creates the second container cluster, the CCM 13 can generate a fourth response message and send the fourth response message to the second consumer entity 14. Here, the fourth response message can include the identification information of the second container cluster.

[0218] Optionally, after the CCM 13 creates the second container cluster, the CCM 13 can assign a unique identifier to the second container cluster, and determine the identification information of the second container cluster based on the identifier. Further, the CCM 13 can generate the fourth response message according to the identification information of the second container cluster and send the fourth response message to the second consumer entity 14.

[0219] In some possible implementation, the CCM 13 can generate a twelfth response message and send the twelfth response message to the second consumer entity 14. Here, the twelfth response message can be used to indicate that the creation of the second container cluster fails.

[0220] In some possible implementation, if the second consumer entity 14 does not receive the fourth response message sent by the CCM 13 within a preset time period after sending the second creation request message, the second consumer entity 14 can determine that the creation of the second container cluster fails.

[0221] Further, the second consumer entity 14 can send a second creation request message to the CCM 13 again to create the second container cluster. The specific process is similar to the process of sending the second creation request message described above, and details are not described herein again.

[0222] The above describes in detail the communication method provided by the embodiments of the present application in combination with FIG. 2 to FIG. 8. The container cluster management apparatus provided by the embodiments of the present application will be described in detail in combination with FIG. 9 and FIG. 10. It should be understood that the description of the embodiments of the container cluster management apparatus corresponds to the description of the embodiments of the container cluster management method, and thus, the parts not described in detail can be referred to the description of the method embodiments.

[0223] Please refer to FIG. 9, which is a structural schematic diagram of a container cluster management apparatus provided by an embodiment of the present application. As shown in FIG. 9, the container cluster management apparatus 90 can include a transceiver unit 91 and a processing unit 92. Here, the transceiver unit 91 can also be referred to as a transceiver module, and the processing unit 92 can also be referred to as a processing module.

[0224] In some possible implementation, the container cluster management apparatus 90 can correspond to the PIM, or a component (such as a circuit, a chip or a chip system) configured in the PIM, or an apparatus containing the PIM. The container cluster management apparatus 90 can include modules, units or means corresponding to the method of the foregoing embodiments, which can be implemented by hardware, software or by hardware executing corresponding software. The software or hardware includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0225] In some possible implementation, the transceiver 91 is configured to receive a first configuration request message from a first consumer entity. The first configuration request message includes identification information of a first physical resource pool and identification information of at least one first container cluster. The processor 92 is configured to associate the first physical resource pool with the at least one first container cluster.

[0226] In some possible implementation, the first configuration request message further includes first indication information. The first indication information is used to indicate whether the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

[0227] In some possible implementation, the transceiver 91 is further configured to send a second response message to the first consumer entity. The second response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully associated with the at least one first container cluster.

[0228] In some possible implementation, the transceiver 91 is further configured to receive a first creation request message from the first consumer entity. The first creation request message includes identification information of at least one first physical resource. The processor 92 is further configured to create the first physical resource pool. The first physical resource pool includes the at least one first physical resource. The transceiver 91 is further configured to send a first response message to the first consumer entity. The first response message includes identification information of the first physical resource pool.

[0229] In some possible implementation, the first creation request message further includes identification information of an NFVI-PoP where the at least one first physical resource is located, and / or identification information of at least one sub-physical resource pool included in the first physical resource pool.

[0230] In some possible implementation, the transceiver 91 is further configured to receive a second configuration request message from the first consumer entity. The second configuration request message includes identification information of the first physical resource pool. The processor 92 is further configured to disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one first container cluster.

[0231] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 91 is further configured to send a third response message to the first consumer entity. Here, the third response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully disassociated from the at least one first container cluster.

[0232] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 91 is further configured to receive a deletion request message from the first consumer entity. Here, the deletion request message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool. The processing unit 92 is further configured to delete the first physical resource pool and disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one first physical resource.

[0233] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 92 is further configured to disassociate the first physical resource pool from the at least one sub-physical resource pool.

[0234] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 91 is further configured to send a fifth response message to the first consumer entity, where the fifth response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully deleted.

[0235] In some possible implementations, the container cluster management apparatus 90 can correspond to the first consumer entity, or be a component (such as a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) configured in the first consumer entity, or be an apparatus containing the first consumer entity. The container cluster management apparatus 90 can include modules, units, or means corresponding to the method of the foregoing embodiments, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by hardware executing corresponding software. The software or hardware includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0236] In specific implementations, the transceiver 91 is configured to send a first configuration request message to the PIM. Here, the first configuration request message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool and identification information of the at least one first container cluster. The transceiver 91 is further configured to receive a second response message from the PIM. Here, the second response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully associated with the at least one first container cluster.

[0237] In a possible implementation, the first configuration request message further comprises first indication information. Here, the first indication information is used to indicate whether the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

[0238] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 91 is further configured to send a first creation request message to the PIM. The first creation request message includes the identification information of the at least one first physical resource. The transceiver 91 is further configured to receive a first response message from the PIM. The first response message includes the identification information of the first physical resource pool.

[0239] In a possible implementation, the first creation request message further includes identification information of a NFVI-PoP where the at least one first physical resource is located, and / or identification information of at least one sub-physical resource pool included in the first physical resource pool.

[0240] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 91 is further configured to send a second configuration request message to the PIM. The second configuration request message includes the identification information of the first physical resource pool. The transceiver 91 is further configured to receive a third response message from the PIM. The third response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully disassociated from the at least one first container cluster.

[0241] In a possible implementation, the transceiver 91 is further configured to send a deletion request message to the PIM. The deletion request message includes the identification information of the first physical resource pool. The transceiver 91 is further configured to receive a fifth response message from the PIM. The fifth response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully deleted.

[0242] In some possible implementations, the container cluster management apparatus 90 can correspond to the CCM, or a component (such as a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) configured in the CCM, or an apparatus including the CCM. The container cluster management apparatus 90 can include modules, units, or means corresponding to the modules, units, or means for implementing the methods in the above embodiments, which can be implemented by hardware, software, or by executing corresponding software by hardware. The software or hardware includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the above functions.

[0243] In specific implementations, the transceiver 91 is configured to receive a second creation request message from a second consumer entity. The second creation request message includes identification information of a CCD and identification information of a second physical resource pool. The processing unit 92 is configured to create a second container cluster according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool. The second physical resource pool is a physical resource pool available to the second container cluster.

[0244] In a possible implementation, the processing unit 92 is further configured to determine the CCD and the second physical resource pool according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool. The processing unit 92 is further configured to create the second container cluster on the physical resources included in the second physical resource pool based on the cluster description information included in the CCD.

[0245] In a possible implementation, the second creation request message further includes second indication information. Here, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster.

[0246] In a possible implementation, in a case where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second physical resource pool cannot be exclusively used by the second container cluster, the second container cluster is created based on at least one second physical resource that is not used in the second physical resource pool.

[0247] In a possible implementation, in a case where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster, the second container cluster is created based on the second physical resource pool. Here, the second physical resource pool is not used by any container cluster except the second container cluster.

[0248] In a possible implementation, the transceiver unit 91 is further configured to send a fourth response message to the second consumer entity. Here, the fourth response message includes the identification information of the second container cluster.

[0249] In some possible implementations, the container cluster management apparatus 90 can correspond to the second consumer entity, or be a component (such as a circuit, a chip, or a chip system) configured in the second consumer entity, or be an apparatus including the second consumer entity. The container cluster management apparatus 90 can include modules, units, or means corresponding to the modules, units, or means for implementing the methods in the foregoing embodiments, and the modules, units, or means can be implemented by hardware, by software, or by a combination of hardware and software. The software or hardware includes one or more modules or units corresponding to the functions described above.

[0250] In specific implementations, the transceiver unit 91 is configured to send a second creation request message to the CCM. Here, the second creation request message includes the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool. The transceiver unit 91 is further configured to receive a fourth response message from the CCM. Here, the fourth response message includes the identification information of the second container cluster, the second container cluster is created based on the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool, and the second physical resource pool is a physical resource pool that can be used by the second container cluster.

[0251] In a possible implementation, the second container cluster is created based on the cluster description information included in the CCD on the physical resources included in the second physical resource pool.

[0252] In a possible implementation, the second creation request message further includes second indication information. Here, the second indication information is used to indicate whether the second physical resource pool can be exclusively occupied by the second container cluster.

[0253] Please refer to FIG. 10, which is a structural schematic diagram of another container cluster management apparatus provided in the present application. The container cluster management apparatus 100 can be used to implement the operations performed by the PIM, the first consumer entity, the CCM or the second consumer entity in the above-mentioned embodiments, or the container cluster management apparatus 100 can be the PIM, the first consumer entity, the CCM or the second consumer entity described above. The container cluster management apparatus 100 includes a processor 101, a memory 102 and a bus system 103.

[0254] The memory 102 includes, but is not limited to, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable PROM (EPROM) or a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), and is used to store relevant instructions and data. The memory 102 stores the following elements, executable modules or data structures, or a subset of them, or an extended set of them:

[0255] Operation instructions: include various operation instructions, used to implement various operations.

[0256] Operating system: includes various system programs, used to implement various basic services and process hardware-based tasks.

[0257] Only one memory is shown in FIG. 10, of course, the memory can also be set to multiple according to the needs.

[0258] In a possible implementation, the container cluster management apparatus 100 can only include the above-mentioned processor 101 and the bus system 103, i.e., does not include the above-mentioned memory 102.

[0259] The container cluster management apparatus 100 can further include a transceiver 104. The transceiver 104 can be a communication module, a transceiver circuit. In the embodiments of the present application, the transceiver 104 is used to perform the transceiving operations of the messages involved in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0260] The processor 101 can be at least one, specifically can be a controller, a central processing unit (CPU), a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, a transistor logic device, a hardware component or any combination thereof. The processor 101 can also be a combination of computing functions, such as one or more microprocessor combinations, a combination of DSP and microprocessor, etc.

[0261] In a specific application, the various components of the container cluster management apparatus 100 are coupled together through a bus system 103, which can include a data bus, a power bus, a control bus, a state signal bus, etc. However, for the sake of clarity, all the buses are marked as the bus system 103 in FIG. 10. Only a schematic is shown in FIG. 10 for the sake of representation.

[0262] In a specific implementation, the container cluster management apparatus 100 can perform the steps of the method performed by the PIM, the first consumer entity, the CCM or the second consumer entity in the above embodiments. Specifically, when the container cluster management apparatus 100 is used to implement each step performed by the PIM, the first consumer entity, the CCM or the second consumer entity in the communication method provided by the embodiments, the processor 101 can implement the functions of the above processing unit 92, and the transceiver 104 can implement the functions of the above transceiving unit 91.

[0263] It should be noted that in actual application, the processor in the embodiments of the present application can be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capability. In the implementation process, each step of the method embodiments described above can be completed by integrated logic circuits of hardware in the processor or instructions in the form of software. The processor described above can be a general processor, DSP, ASIC, FPGA, or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic device, discrete hardware component. The disclosed methods, steps and logic block diagrams in the embodiments of the present application can be implemented or executed. The general processor can be a microprocessor or the processor can also be any conventional processor. The steps of the method disclosed in conjunction with the embodiments of the present application can be directly embodied as hardware code processing executed by the processor, or executed by a combination of hardware and software modules in the code processing processor. The software module can be located in a random access memory, a flash memory, a read-only memory, a programmable read-only memory, an electrically erasable programmable memory, a register, and other mature storage media in the art. The storage medium is located in the storage, and the processor reads the information in the storage, and combines the hardware to complete the steps of the above method.

[0264] It can be understood that the memory in the embodiments of the present application can be a volatile memory or a non-volatile memory, or can include both volatile and non-volatile memories. Among them, the non-volatile memory can be ROM, programmable read-only memory (PROM), EPROM, electrically EPROM (EEPROM) or flash memory. The volatile memory can be RAM, which is used as an external cache. By way of example but not limitation, many forms of RAM can be used, such as static random access memory (SRAM), dynamic random access memory (DRAM), synchronous dynamic random access memory (SDRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link dynamic random access memory (SLDRAM) and direct memory bus random access memory (DR RAM). It should be noted that the memory described in the embodiments of the present application is intended to include but not limited to these and any other suitable types of memory.

[0265] The application further provides a computer readable medium, which stores a computer program, and the computer program is executed by a computer to implement the method steps executed by the PIM, the first consumer entity, the CCM or the second consumer entity in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0266] The application further provides a computer program product, which is executed by a computer to implement the method steps executed by the PIM, the first consumer entity, the CCM or the second consumer entity in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0267] The application further provides a chip, which comprises at least one processor. The at least one processor is configured to execute computer-executed instructions to enable a device installed with the chip to implement the method steps executed by the PIM, the first consumer entity, the CCM or the second consumer entity in the above-mentioned embodiments.

[0268] Optionally, the chip further comprises an interface circuit. The interface circuit is configured to receive computer-executed instructions and transmit the computer-executed instructions to the processor.

[0269] The application further provides a chip system, which comprises a processor configured to enable a device installed with the chip system to implement the method steps executed by the PIM, the first consumer entity, the CCM or the second consumer entity in the above-mentioned embodiments, such as generating or processing data and / or information involved in the above-mentioned methods. In a possible design, the chip system further comprises a memory configured to store program instructions and data necessary for the data transmitting device. The chip system can be composed of a chip, or can comprise a chip and other discrete devices.

[0270] Optionally, the chip system further comprises an interface circuit. The interface circuit can be configured to receive computer-executed instructions and transmit the computer-executed instructions to the processor.

[0271] Please refer to FIG. 11, which is a structural schematic diagram of another container cluster management apparatus provided by the embodiments of the application. The container cluster management apparatus 110 can comprise a processor 111 and an interface circuit 112. The interface circuit 112 can be configured to receive signals from other container cluster management apparatuses outside the container cluster management apparatus 110 and transmit the signals to the processor 111, or transmit signals from the processor 111 to other container cluster management apparatuses outside the container cluster management apparatus 110. The processor 111 can be configured to execute computer programs or instructions through a logic circuit to implement the communication method described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0272] In some possible design, the container cluster management apparatus 110 can be the PIM, or an apparatus including the PIM, or an apparatus included in the PIM, such as a chip system. The container cluster management apparatus 110 can also be the first consumer entity, or an apparatus of the first consumer entity, or an apparatus included in the first consumer entity. The container cluster management apparatus 110 can also be the CCM, or an apparatus of the CCM, or an apparatus included in the CCM. The container cluster management apparatus 110 can also be the second consumer entity, or an apparatus of the second consumer entity, or an apparatus included in the second consumer entity.

[0273] The application also provides a container cluster management system including at least the PIM, the first consumer entity, the CCM and the second consumer entity. The PIM and the first consumer entity work together, and the CCM and the second consumer entity work together, to implement the method for managing a container cluster described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0274] In the method embodiments described above, the method can be implemented by software, hardware, firmware or any combination thereof, in whole or in part. When implemented by software, the method can be implemented in the form of a computer program product, in whole or in part. The computer program product includes one or more computer instructions. When the computer instructions are loaded and executed on a computer, the processes or functions described in the embodiments of the application are generated in whole or in part. The computer can be a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, a computer network, or other programmable devices. The computer instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium or transmitted from one computer-readable storage medium to another computer-readable storage medium, for example, the computer instructions can be transmitted from one website, computer, server or data center to another website, computer, server or data center through wired (such as coaxial cable, optical fiber, digital subscriber line (DSL) or wireless (such as infrared, wireless, microwave, etc.)) way. The computer-readable storage medium can be any available medium that can be accessed by a computer or a data storage device such as a server, data center, etc. including one or more available media sets. The available media can be magnetic media (such as floppy disk, hard disk, magnetic tape), optical media (such as high-density digital video disc (digital video disc, DVD), or semiconductor media (such as solid state disk (solid state disk, SSD), etc.

[0275] In various embodiments of the present application, the terms and / or descriptions between different embodiments are consistent and can be referred to each other if there is no special description and logical conflict, and the technical features in different embodiments can be combined to form new embodiments according to their inherent logical relationship.

[0276] It can be understood that various numerical numbers involved in the embodiments of the present application are only for convenient differentiation, and are not used to limit the scope of the embodiments of the present application. The size of the serial number of each process does not mean the order of execution, and the execution order of each process should be determined according to its function and inherent logic.

[0277] The above only describes the preferred embodiments of the technical solutions of the present application, and is not used to limit the protection scope of the present application. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principles of the present application shall be included in the protection scope of the present application.

Claims

1. A method of managing a cluster of containers, characterized by, The method applied to physical infrastructure management (PIM) comprises: receiving a first configuration request message from a first consumer entity, wherein the first configuration request message comprises identification information of a first physical resource pool and identification information of at least one first container cluster; associating the first physical resource pool with the at least one first container cluster.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, The first configuration request message further comprises first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving a first creation request message from the first consumer entity, wherein the first creation request message comprises identification information of at least one first physical resource; creating the first physical resource pool, wherein the first physical resource pool comprises the at least one first physical resource; sending a first response message to the first consumer entity, wherein the first response message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein, The first creation request message further comprises identification information of a network function virtualization infrastructure access point (NFVI-PoP) where the at least one first physical resource is located, and / or identification information of at least one sub-physical resource pool contained in the first physical resource pool.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The method further comprises: receiving a second configuration request message from the first consumer entity, wherein the second configuration request message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool; disassociating the first physical resource pool from the at least one first container cluster.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein, The method further comprises: receiving a deletion request message from the first consumer entity, wherein the deletion request message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool; deleting the first physical resource pool and disassociating the first physical resource pool from the at least one first physical resource.

7. A method of managing a cluster of containers, characterized by, The method applied to container cluster management (CCM) comprises: receiving a second creation request message from a second consumer entity, wherein the second creation request message comprises identification information of a container cluster descriptor (CCD) and identification information of a second physical resource pool; creating a second container cluster according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool, wherein the second physical resource pool is a physical resource pool available to the second container cluster.

8. The method of claim 7, wherein, The creating a second container cluster according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool comprises: determining the CCD and the second physical resource pool according to the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool; creating the second container cluster on physical resources included in the second physical resource pool based on cluster description information included in the CCD.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that, The second creation request message further comprises second indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein, In a case where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second physical resource pool cannot be exclusively used by the second container cluster, the second container cluster is created based on at least one second physical resource in the second physical resource pool that is not used.

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that, In a case where the second indication information is used to indicate that the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster, the second container cluster is created based on the second physical resource pool that is not used by other container clusters except the second container cluster.

12. A method of managing a cluster of containers, characterized by, The method applied to a first consumer entity comprises: sending a first configuration request message to a physical infrastructure management (PIM), wherein the first configuration request message comprises identification information of a first physical resource pool and identification information of at least one first container cluster; receiving a second response message from the PIM, wherein the second response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully associated with the at least one first container cluster.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein, The first configuration request message further comprises first indication information, which is used to indicate whether the at least one first container cluster supports simultaneous use of the first physical resource pool.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that, The method further comprises: sending a second configuration request message to the PIM, wherein the second configuration request message comprises identification information of the first physical resource pool; receiving a third response message from the PIM, wherein the third response message is used to indicate that the first physical resource pool is successfully disassociated with the at least one first container cluster.

15. A method of managing a cluster of containers, characterized by, The method applied to a second consumer entity comprises: sending a second creation request message to a container cluster management (CCM), wherein the second creation request message comprises identification information of a container cluster descriptor (CCD) and identification information of a second physical resource pool; receiving a fourth response message from the CCM, wherein the fourth response message comprises identification information of a second container cluster, which is created based on the identification information of the CCD and the identification information of the second physical resource pool, and the second physical resource pool is a physical resource pool that can be used by the second container cluster.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein, The second container cluster is created based on cluster description information included in the CCD on physical resources included in the second physical resource pool.

17. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that The second creation request message further comprises second indication information, which is used to indicate whether the second physical resource pool can be exclusively used by the second container cluster.

18. A management apparatus of a container cluster, characterized by, The container cluster management apparatus comprises a unit for implementing the container cluster management method in any one of claims 1-6, or the container cluster management method in any one of claims 7-11, or the container cluster management method in any one of claims 12-14, or the container cluster management method in any one of claims 15-17.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer readable storage medium stores a computer program, when the computer program is run, realizing the container cluster management method in any one of claims 1-6, or the container cluster management method in any one of claims 7-11, or the container cluster management method in any one of claims 12-14, or the container cluster management method in any one of claims 15-17.

20. A computer program product, characterised in that, The computer program product is executed by a computer to realize the container cluster management method in any one of claims 1-6, or the container cluster management method in any one of claims 7-11, or the container cluster management method in any one of claims 12-14, or the container cluster management method in any one of claims 15-17.

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