Cloud VNF Orchestration for Geographically Distributed Workloads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network function orchestrators face challenges in efficiently selecting and configuring resources for telecommunication applications with geographically distributed workloads, leading to potential consistency issues and resource management complexities.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based virtualized network function management service (VNFMS) automates resource selection and configuration by utilizing existing cloud provider network expertise, allowing service orchestrators to specify logical requirements without detailing resource locations, and dynamically adjusts resources based on performance needs and workload fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing network function orchestrators are used to select and configure resources for telecommunication applications with geographically distributed workloads, then resource management can be performed, but consistency issues and resource management complexities arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud-based Virtualized Network Function Management Service (VNFMS) as an intermediary between service orchestrators and physical network resources. The VNFMS abstracts the complexity of resource selection and configuration by providing a unified interface that automatically manages geographically distributed resources, eliminating consistency issues that arise when orchestrators directly manage complex distributed infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the complex resource management functions from traditional network function orchestrators and places them in a dedicated cloud-based VNFMS. This separation allows orchestrators to focus on service-level orchestration while the VNFMS handles the complexity of selecting and configuring physical resources across multiple geographically distributed premises.
2Ease of operation
If detailed resource location information is specified by service orchestrators, then resource selection can be controlled, but resource management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The VNFMS implements self-service by automatically selecting and configuring appropriate resources based on service requirements without requiring orchestrators to specify detailed location information. The system autonomously evaluates available resources across geographically distributed premises and makes intelligent placement decisions, simplifying the orchestrator's task while maintaining control over resource allocation.
Solution Approach 2:
The VNFMS provides a universal resource management interface that handles multiple functions: resource selection, configuration, provisioning, and optimization. This multi-functional service eliminates the need for orchestrators to manage complex resource details directly, as the VNFMS universally manages all resource-related operations across distributed premises.
3Reliability
If resources are allocated for latency-sensitive applications, then performance requirements can be met, but resource allocation costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The VNFMS implements dynamic resource allocation that adapts to changing workload conditions and performance requirements. For latency-sensitive applications, the system dynamically selects resources that meet performance targets while optimizing allocation to avoid unnecessary resource provisioning. This dynamic approach ensures performance requirements are met without permanently allocating excessive resources that would increase costs during low-utilization periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes resource allocation parameters based on application requirements and current system state. For latency-sensitive applications, the VNFMS adjusts parameters such as resource selection criteria, provisioning levels, and configuration settings to achieve desired performance with optimized resource consumption, rather than using fixed over-provisioning strategies.
Data Source
AI summary
A request to deploy an application is received at a network function management service of a cloud computing environment. Based on an expected geographical distribution of the application, a premise is selected from a set of premises at which computing resource are managed from the cloud computing environment. A virtualized network function of the application is executed at a resource located at the premise.