Hybrid Network Function Virtualization for Scalable Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network devices face limitations in scalability and resource utilization due to limited resources within a chassis, leading to excessive initial investment and power consumption when relying solely on local virtual machines for network traffic routing, and require a more efficient method to manage network slices.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a hybrid network traffic routing system that configures virtual machines within a chassis to perform initial routing and subsequently migrates to external server resources, allowing for dynamic reconfiguration and increased computing resources without interrupting network traffic, thus deferring resource expenditure and improving scalability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are implemented using only local chassis computing resources, then routing functionality is available immediately, but scalability is limited and resource utilization becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a single-dimension local chassis resource model to a multi-dimensional model that includes both local chassis resources and remote server resources. This dimensional expansion allows the system to scale beyond chassis limitations by utilizing external computing resources through network connections, thereby improving scalability while optimizing resource utilization across the distributed architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice management system is designed to universally manage virtual machines across multiple locations - both locally within the chassis and remotely on external servers. This multi-functionality allows the same management platform to orchestrate routing functions regardless of whether VMs reside locally or remotely, enabling flexible resource allocation and improving overall system adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If external server resources are utilized for routing, then scalability is improved, but initial investment and configuration complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a network slice management system as an intermediary that abstracts and simplifies the complexity of managing distributed virtual machines. This management platform handles the coordination between local chassis and remote servers, automating configuration tasks and masking the underlying complexity from users, thereby enabling scalability without proportionally increasing configuration burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates virtual copies of routing functionality across multiple physical locations - local chassis and remote servers. By replicating the virtual machine infrastructure and management capabilities across different physical platforms, the system achieves scalability while using software abstraction to manage the complexity of distributed deployment.
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual machines are migrated between local and remote environments, then resource flexibility is improved, but migration complexity and potential service interruption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary actions for VM migration by creating standby virtual machines in advance at target locations before actual migration is needed. This pre-positioning of backup VMs allows for rapid failover and migration without service interruption, as the destination VM is already prepared and can immediately take over routing functions when migration occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The network slice management system acts as an intermediary that coordinates the migration process between local and remote environments. It manages the complex tasks of state synchronization, traffic redirection, and seamless switching between local and remote VMs, thereby enabling resource flexibility while maintaining service continuity through automated orchestration.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may determine first configuration information associated with configuring a chassis. The device may configure the chassis in a first mode using the first configuration information to cause the chassis to perform routing for a network. The device may determine, after a first period of routing for the network, second configuration information associated with configuring the chassis. The second configuration information may relate to utilizing one or more computing resources of a server device external to the chassis to perform routing for the chassis. The device may configure the chassis in a second mode using the second configuration information to cause the chassis to perform, in a second period, routing for the network.