Domain-Specific Language for Serverless Network Function Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network function virtualization technologies face inefficiencies and disadvantages when running network functions on virtual machines and containers, leading to resource wastage and inflexible network operations.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing a domain-specific language (DSL) to express and compile serverless network functions, optimizing their deployment on network devices by determining optimal execution components based on characteristics such as resource availability and network architecture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If network functions are run directly on hardware of network devices, then network functions can be executed with low latency, but hardware complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions into separate virtualized components that can be independently deployed on network devices. Instead of running all network functions directly on hardware, the system divides functions into VNFs that can be selectively instantiated only where needed, reducing hardware complexity while maintaining execution performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network function virtualization layer as an intermediary between hardware and network function execution. This virtualization layer enables network functions to be abstracted from physical hardware, allowing flexible deployment while reducing the need for complex dedicated hardware configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are used for network function virtualization, then hardware resources are shared, but resource allocation is inflexible and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation for network functions, allowing the system to automatically adjust resource distribution based on current network conditions and function requirements. This dynamic approach replaces static VM resource allocation, enabling flexible adaptation to varying workloads without over-provisioning hardware resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of resource allocation from fixed VM-based allocations to dynamic, demand-driven resource assignment. Network functions can be deployed with precise resource parameters matched to actual needs, eliminating the resource wastage associated with traditional VM over-provisioning.
3Ease of manufacture
If containers are used for network function virtualization, then OS virtualization is achieved, but network functions still require complex deployment configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables network functions to be deployed through self-service mechanisms where the virtualization system automatically handles function instantiation, resource allocation, and configuration. This eliminates the need for complex manual configurations, allowing network functions to be deployed simply by providing function definitions and desired locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-defining network function characteristics, deployment policies, and resource requirements before actual deployment. This allows the system to automatically handle complex configuration tasks during deployment, simplifying the process while maintaining flexibility in function placement.
4Adaptability or versatility
If network functions are updated by replacing hardware, then software updates can be applied, but network disruption and downtime occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions into independent virtualized units that can be updated individually without affecting the entire network infrastructure. This allows selective replacement of specific VNFs with updated versions while other functions continue to operate, eliminating comprehensive network downtime during updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic function deployment and replacement capabilities, allowing network functions to be updated in real-time or during low-traffic periods without disrupting overall network operation. The system can dynamically migrate functions between different hardware locations during updates, ensuring continuous availability.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure describes techniques and mechanisms for using a domain-specific language (DSL) to express and compile serverless network functions, and optimizing the deployment location for the serverless network functions on network devices. In some examples, the serverless network functions may be expressed entirely in the DSL (e.g., via a text-based editor, a graphics-based editor, etc.), where the DSL is a computer language specialized to a particular domain, such as a network function domain. In additional examples, the serverless network functions may be expressed and compiled using a DSL in combination with a general-purpose language (GSL). Once the serverless network function have been expressed and/or compiled, the techniques of this disclosure further include determining an optimized network component on which the serverless network function is to execute, and deploying the serverless function to the optimized network component.