6G Content-Centric Network Orchestration Without Central Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current IP networks face limitations in leveraging network functions virtualization (NFV) due to routing constraints and central controller management, which hinder flexibility and scalability, and there is a lack of integration of network functions in content-centric networks (CCNs) within 6G networks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a management orchestrator for network functions using the Named Function Networking (NFN) paradigm, which distributes network services and functions through named functions across network nodes in CCNs, eliminating the need for a central controller and enabling dynamic deployment and management of network functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network functions are managed via a central controller in IP networks, then centralized control is achieved, but computing performance penalties and scalability limitations occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized control function into distributed network functions that can be independently deployed and managed across multiple nodes in the content-centric network, eliminating the single point of control and enabling parallel processing and scalability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the central controller from the network architecture and replaces it with a distributed control plane where control functions are embedded in individual network nodes, removing the bottleneck and enabling autonomous decision-making at each node
2Reliability
If network functions are deployed on proprietary hardware, then specialized performance is achieved, but flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universal network function virtualization where software-defined network functions can be deployed on commodity hardware platforms, allowing the same infrastructure to perform multiple different network functions dynamically based on service requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables dynamic configuration of network function parameters and behavior through software, allowing the system to adapt to different service requirements by changing operational parameters rather than requiring specialized hardware for each function
3Speed
If routing protocols constrain packet paths to shortest path, then efficient delivery is achieved, but network functions cannot be inserted into the path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces named data networking as an intermediary layer that sits above traditional IP routing, allowing packets to be routed based on content names rather than destination addresses, which enables flexible insertion of network functions into data planes without disrupting underlying routing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to network routing by implementing content-based routing alongside traditional address-based routing, allowing packets to be delivered along multiple dimensions (shortest path for efficiency, named paths for function insertion) simultaneously
Data Source
AI summary
A management orchestrator for a content-centric network in a 6G network is described herein according to some aspects. For example, the management orchestrator can receive, from a client device, a request for a network function in the content-centric network executed by a plurality of network nodes in the 6G network. In response to receiving the request for the network function, the management orchestrator can identify a particular network node of the plurality of network nodes usable for executing the network function. The management orchestrator can then automatically deploy a named function via the particular network node. The named function can be used to execute the network function for the client device.