Infrastructure Resource State Transitions in Virtualized Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication network technologies, such as Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV), lack mechanisms to effectively manage and transition infrastructure resources through specific state transitions, particularly from a Network Ready (NR) to a Service Ready (SR) state and subsequently to an In Service (IS) state, which is crucial for efficient resource allocation and service delivery.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a network element with a processor configured to manage state transitions of virtualized network resources (VNR) from NR to SR and VSR from SR to IS, enabling the configuration and management of infrastructure resources through a hierarchical multi-owner and multi-tenant system using a set of defined resource states, including Network Unequipped (NU), Network Equipped (NE), Network Ready (NR), Service Ready (SR), and In-Service (IS).
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Software Defined Networking (SDN) and Network Function Virtualization (NFV) are applied to communication networks, then network control and data plane separation is achieved and various network benefits are provided, but mechanisms to effectively manage and transition infrastructure resources through specific state transitions (from Network Ready to Service Ready state and subsequently to In Service state) are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the infrastructure resource management into distinct state transitions: Network Unequipped (NU) → Network Equipped (NE) → Network Ready (NR) → Service Ready (SR) → In Service (IS). Each state represents a specific configuration level, allowing granular control and tracking of resource provisioning across multiple management domains.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration actions at each state transition. Before a resource can transition to a higher state, required configurations must be completed in advance (e.g., network layer configuration before service layer configuration), ensuring that dependencies are satisfied and resources are properly prepared for subsequent operations.
2Productivity
If a hierarchical multi-owner and multi-tenant system is implemented for virtualized infrastructure resources, then resource allocation and service delivery efficiency is improved, but the complexity of managing state transitions across different ownership and tenancy levels increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested state model where virtualized network resource states (VNR) contain virtualized service resource states (VSR), which in turn contain underlying infrastructure resource states. This nested structure allows state management at multiple hierarchical levels (infrastructure → network → service) while maintaining consistent transition rules across all levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where each support system monitors the state of resources within its ownership domain and provides status information to parent support systems. This feedback enables automated state transition validation, ensuring that transitions only occur when all dependent resources are properly configured and ready.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure discloses infrastructure resource states which may be configured for use in managing both infrastructure resources (IRs) and virtualized infrastructure resources (VIRs). The new resources states may include a Network Unequipped (NU) state, a Network Equipped (NE) state, a Network Ready (NR) state, a Service Ready (SR) state, an Out-of-Service (OOS) state, and an In-Service (IS) state. The infrastructure resource states may be configured to enable resource transfers in a programmable virtual infrastructure having one or more tenants (e.g., Owners, BUs, Partners, Customers, or the like) at one or more hierarchical layers. The infrastructure resource states may be configured to support VIR management for multi-owner virtualization such that multiple owners may manage resource allocation of the network infrastructure of the communication network and multi-tenant virtualization such that multiple tenants, at one or more hierarchical layers, may share portions of the network infrastructure of the communication network.