C-RAN Load Balancing for Seamless UE VNFC Migration

The patent introduces a load balancer as an intermediary component between UE VNFCs and external networks (core network, radio access points). This load balancer manages all external communications and user migration procedures, isolating the complexity from partner systems. The load balancer acts as a mediator that handles load balancing, user migration, and scaling operations internally without requiring changes to external networks, thus maintaining functionality integration while reducing system complexity.

The patent implements self-service mechanisms where the load balancer autonomously manages user migration and scaling operations. When a UE VNFC needs to be migrated or scaled, the load balancer automatically selects appropriate target VNFCs, redirects user plane and control plane data flows, and manages the transition without external intervention. This self-service approach enables efficient resource utilization through dynamic scaling and migration while keeping procedures simple from an external perspective, as all complexity is contained within the load balancer's automated management.

The patent implements a universal load balancer that performs multiple functions: load balancing, user migration management, scaling operations, and high availability maintenance. This single multi-functional component handles diverse operations (user plane data routing, control plane data routing, VNFC selection, migration coordination) that would otherwise require separate mechanisms. By consolidating these functions into one load balancer, the system maintains simplicity while enabling easy user migration and scaling operations through a unified management interface.