Elastic Hardware Allocation for In-Service Network Functions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing network devices face inefficiencies due to static hardware resource allocation that fails to adapt to fluctuating network demand, leading to potential performance issues, service disruptions, and increased operational and capital expenditures.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a dynamic in-service elastic network configuration with a dynamic resizing engine, logical mapping engine, and active capacity monitor to dynamically allocate hardware resources based on real-time demand, allowing for minimal service disruption and efficient resource management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If hardware resources are statically allocated to network functions, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but adaptability to fluctuating network demand deteriorates and resource utilization efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to network demandVSAvoidresource allocation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by allowing hardware resources to be continuously adjusted based on real-time network demand. The system monitors network traffic patterns and automatically reallocates hardware resources (such as ASIC capacity, buffer memory, and processing units) from underutilized network functions to those requiring additional capacity, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity through automated dynamic management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The resource allocation system operates autonomously by self-monitoring network demand and self-adjusting resource distribution without requiring manual intervention. The system includes built-in monitoring mechanisms that detect changes in network traffic and automatically trigger reallocation processes, enabling the device to serve itself and eliminate the need for complex external management while maintaining high adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If hardware resources are reallocated to meet changing network demand, then adaptability and resource efficiency are improved, but service disruption and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork service continuity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary resource provisioning by pre-configuring hardware resources in a pooled state before they are needed. When network demand changes, the system can rapidly allocate pre-prepared resources to meet new requirements without causing service disruption. This preliminary preparation ensures that resource reallocation can occur seamlessly, maintaining both flexibility and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements cushioning mechanisms by maintaining reserved buffer resources and redundancy in the hardware allocation system. These cushion resources act as a safety margin that can be quickly deployed during demand fluctuations, preventing service disruption while enabling flexible reallocation. The cushioning layer ensures that even during rapid reallocation, network services continue without interruption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Productivity

If static hardware resource allocation is used, then capital expenditure is reduced, but operational expenditure and performance issues increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork performanceVSAvoidhardware resource quantity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically changes the allocation parameters of hardware resources based on network demand metrics. Instead of maintaining a fixed quantity of resources for each network function, the system adjusts resource parameters (such as processing capacity, memory allocation, and bandwidth) in response to changing traffic patterns. This enables the network to achieve high performance during peak demand without requiring excessive hardware resources to be permanently allocated, thus improving productivity while optimizing the quantity of hardware resources needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20260104938A1Allocating hardware resources for network functions of a network device

Publication Date: 2026.04.16 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

A network device may include one or more processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing programming for execution by the processor(s). The network device can configure a data structure representing a virtual capacity associated with a network function. The virtual capacity can correspond to an allocation of first hardware resources of a plurality of hardware resources of the network device to the network function. The network device can monitor a demand of the network function for the plurality of hardware resources of the network device. The network device can adjust the allocation of the first hardware resources to the network function, while the network device remains operational. The allocation can be based on a capacity allocation rule and the demand of the network function. The network device can update the data structure based on the adjustment of the allocation of the first hardware resources to the network function.