Cloud-Native VNF Management via 3GPP-to-Kubernetes Proxy

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing 3GPP management systems face inefficiencies in managing cloud-native virtual network functions (CNFs) due to the overhead and limitations of ETSI NFV MANO frameworks, requiring modifications for seamless integration with cloud-native management solutions like Kubernetes and Helm charts, and lacking support for decentralized infrastructure.

Innovation Solution

Introduce a CNSM producer (CNSM proxy) that acts as a proxy between the telecommunication network management system and cloud infrastructure management system, translating 3GPP APIs to cloud infrastructure APIs, facilitating seamless integration and managing CNFs while minimizing impact on existing Service-Based Management Architectures (SBMA) of 5G OAM systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If ETSI NFV MANO framework is used to manage cloud-native virtual network functions, then management capability is provided, but overhead and integration complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement capabilityVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a translation layer or adapter component that acts as an intermediary between the ETSI NFV MANO framework and cloud-native management solutions. This intermediary translates management operations and data formats, enabling compatibility without requiring direct integration. The mediator handles protocol conversion and interface adaptation, reducing integration complexity while maintaining reliable management capabilities through the established NFV MANO framework.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If ETSI NFV MANO framework is used, then management structure is established, but support for decentralized infrastructure is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanagement structureVSAvoiddecentralized infrastructure support

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the management architecture into hierarchical layers, separating centralized orchestration functions from decentralized execution functions. The NFV MANO framework operates at the orchestration layer providing structured management, while cloud-native components operate at the execution layer enabling decentralized infrastructure support. This segmentation allows each layer to operate independently with well-defined interfaces, maintaining management structure while adapting to decentralized environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic adaptation mechanisms that allow the management system to flexibly adjust between centralized and decentralized operation modes. The system can dynamically provision and manage cloud-native components across distributed infrastructure while maintaining oversight through the NFV MANO framework. This dynamic capability enables the system to adapt to varying infrastructure configurations without compromising management structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If modifications are made to integrate with cloud-native solutions, then integration capability improves, but impact on existing Service-Based Management Architectures increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capabilityVSAvoidimpact on existing architectures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the integration functionality into a separate, independent component that interfaces with both the Service-Based Management Architecture and cloud-native solutions. This extracted integration layer handles all adaptations and modifications required for cloud-native compatibility, isolating changes from the core existing architecture. The extraction minimizes impact on existing systems while providing full integration capability through the dedicated interface component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12574293B2Managing cloud-native virtual network functions

Publication Date: 2026.03.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure generally relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable media for managing cloud-native virtual network functions (CNFs) in a telecommunication network environment. The systems described herein involve specifying an architecture for a telecommunication network management system that facilitates integration with a variety of cloud-native management solutions while also minimizing impact to existing service-based management architectures (SBMA) of fifth generation (5G) operations administration and management (OAM) systems.