Adaptive Virtual Services Platform Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and inflexibility of traditional computer networks that use multiple specialized devices limit their ability to be easily upgraded or modified, requiring frequent hardware replacements and increasing maintenance costs and complexity.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of adaptive virtual services through a platform device that can be configured by users to add, remove, or change virtual-network functions, allowing for flexible functionality changes without the need for new hardware, using a service provider's management software to manage and orchestrate these changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple specialized devices are used to provide specific network functions, then network functionality is achieved, but device complexity and maintenance difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple specialized network devices into a single platform device that hosts multiple virtual network functions as software components. This consolidation reduces the physical number of devices while maintaining all necessary network functions through virtualization, directly resolving the contradiction between achieving comprehensive functionality and reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform device is designed with universal capabilities to host various virtual network functions (VNFs) such as firewalls, load balancers, and routing functions as software. This multi-functional platform can dynamically allocate different VNFs to meet varying network requirements, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized hardware devices.
2Reliability
If specialized hardware devices are used for network functions, then specific functions are provided, but flexibility for future upgrades is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic functionality by allowing virtual network functions to be added, removed, or modified through software configuration rather than hardware changes. The platform device can dynamically instantiate new VNFs or update existing ones based on changing network requirements, providing flexibility and adaptability for future upgrades while maintaining reliable function provision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables functionality changes by modifying software parameters and configurations rather than replacing hardware. Network functions are implemented as software components whose capabilities can be adjusted through parameter changes, allowing the system to adapt to new requirements without physical device replacement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new devices are installed to change network functions, then functionality is updated, but cost and setup complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses virtualization to create software copies of network functions as virtual network function instances on the platform device. Instead of deploying new physical hardware devices, the system instantiates VNFs as software copies or containers, dramatically simplifying setup and reducing costs while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of installing and configuring new hardware devices with a software-based system. Network function deployment is achieved through software installation and configuration rather than physical device assembly, eliminating the complexity of hardware setup and maintenance while enabling easy functionality changes.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of the present disclosure describe systems and methods relating to adaptive virtual services. In an example, a user specifies a device configuration for a platform device. As a result, a service provider installs selected virtual-network functions and defines network connections as specified by the device configuration. Management software may also be installed, thereby enabling the service provider to communicate with and remotely manage the platform device. The installed virtual-network functions are activated on the platform device once it is delivered to the user. In some instances, the user changes the device configuration. For example, the user may install new virtual-network functions, reconfigure or remove existing virtual-network functions, or change defined network connections. As a result, the service provider reconfigures the platform device accordingly. Thus, the user need not purchase new specialized hardware in order to change the available functions of the computer network.