Hybrid Network Resource Orchestration for Service Chaining
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of managing resources for virtual network functions (VNFs) in software-defined networks (SDNs) makes it challenging to efficiently assign and configure general-purpose hardware to support communication sessions, particularly in hybrid PNF/VNF network architectures, where dynamic resource allocation is needed to maintain session constructs and ensure robust service delivery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a master service orchestration layer to dynamically allocate and adjust resources across service control layers, including virtual and physical network functions, to support communication sessions by receiving requests, tracking performance metrics, and reallocating resources as needed to ensure efficient service delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual network functions are instantiated on general purpose hardware with dynamic resource allocation, then service flexibility and adaptability are improved, but system complexity and difficulty of resource management increase
Solution Approach 1:
A resource allocation manager is introduced as an intermediary component that sits between the virtual network functions and the general purpose hardware resources. This manager abstracts the complex resource allocation decisions, handling VM instantiation, resource provisioning, and coordination automatically, thereby maintaining service flexibility while reducing the perceived system complexity for operators.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs general purpose hardware that can dynamically serve multiple different virtual network functions and service types. Rather than dedicated hardware for each function, the same physical infrastructure is universally utilized across different services through virtualization, improving adaptability while the resource allocation manager handles the complexity of multi-function coordination.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual machines are instantiated to support virtual network functions, then service capability and functionality are improved, but resource allocation complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resource allocation manager implements self-service mechanisms where virtual machines and virtual network functions automatically discover available resources, negotiate resource requirements, and provision themselves without manual configuration. This enables enhanced service capability through multiple VMs while eliminating the configuration difficulty through automated self-provisioning and self-configuration processes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid PNF/VNF network architecture is implemented, then network functionality and service diversity are improved, but management complexity and orchestration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the management of hybrid PNF/VNF architecture into distinct functional layers: a resource allocation manager handles virtual resource provisioning, while separate service control layers manage specific service types (LTE, content, etc.). This segmentation allows service diversity through independent service layers while reducing management complexity by distributing control responsibilities across specialized segments rather than centralized monolithic management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a request for a communication session from a user device, identifying a first resource from a plurality of resources, wherein the first resource is associated with a first service control layer for a radio access network and wherein the plurality of resources includes at least one virtual network function (VNF), identifying a second resource from the plurality of resources, wherein the second resource is associated with a second service control layer for LTE core functions, identifying a third resource from the plurality of resources, wherein the third resource is associated with a third service control layer for content delivery, allocating a virtual machine to be used to instantiate the at least one VNF, instantiating the at least one VNF and establishing the communication session by facilitating communications between the first service control layer, the second service control layer and the third service control layer.