Decentralized NFV Orchestration for Scalable VNF Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centralized network function virtualization (NFV) orchestration systems face scalability and complexity challenges, particularly in supporting tens of thousands of virtualized network functions with high customization variability, leading to performance bottlenecks and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A decentralized NFV orchestration system is introduced, featuring a lightweight common service frontend, distributed back-end agents, a declarative data store, and an event data pipeline, which decouples control flow and enables distributed management of virtualized network functions, allowing for asynchronous operations and improved scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If centralized NFV orchestration is used, then management control is simplified, but scalability and performance deteriorate when supporting tens of thousands of virtualized network functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the centralized orchestration system into multiple distributed orchestration nodes that can independently manage subsets of VNFs. Each node maintains local state and can make autonomous decisions, eliminating the single-point bottleneck while preserving coordinated management through standardized inter-node communication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the orchestration architecture, where orchestration occurs at multiple levels: local edge nodes handle immediate VNF management, regional coordination nodes manage clusters of edge nodes, and a global layer provides overall system policy. This multi-dimensional approach enables scalable management without sacrificing control simplicity.
2Device complexity
If centralized NFV orchestration is used, then system architecture is simplified, but operational costs and complexity increase when scaling to large numbers of VNFs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service capabilities where orchestration nodes automatically discover available resources, dynamically allocate VNFs to appropriate infrastructure, and perform self-healing when failures occur. This automation eliminates manual intervention costs while the modular design keeps each node's complexity manageable through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal orchestration nodes that can handle multiple VNF types and deployment scenarios through a common platform. These nodes perform diverse functions including resource provisioning, lifecycle management, monitoring, and coordination, reducing the need for specialized components and lowering overall system complexity despite increased functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If high customization variability is supported for VNFs, then service flexibility is improved, but orchestration complexity and performance bottlenecks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each orchestration node to maintain custom configuration profiles and policies tailored to local service requirements. Each node can implement specialized handling for specific VNF types while adhering to global standards, enabling high customization without centralizing all decision-making complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by implementing a template-based VNF description language where services are defined through configurable parameters rather than hard-coded logic. This allows rapid customization of VNF behavior by modifying parameters while reusing the same orchestration framework, reducing complexity compared to implementing custom orchestration logic for each service variant.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a network functions virtualization infrastructure can be managed in a decentralized fashion. A front end can receive a request to provision a virtualized network function. The front end can create service descriptors for the request according to the virtualized network function, the service descriptors comprising a hierarchy of information elements organized based on distributed back-end agents operable to provision and manage the virtualized network function. The front end can store the service descriptors in a distributed data store.