NaaS Layer for Heterogeneous Cloud Network Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud computing environments, particularly in heterogeneous settings, optimizing the provisioning of network services across geographically distributed public and private clouds is challenging due to the need for efficient resource utilization and seamless interface management between different network types, including SDN and legacy networks.
Innovation Solution
A framework with a Network as a Service (NaaS) layer is introduced, comprising northbound, southbound, and east-west interfaces, along with a network orchestration and intelligence module, to manage virtual network creation, updates, and deletions, and configure underlying physical networks, enabling efficient provisioning of services like routing, firewalls, and load balancing across multiple cloud environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a simple one-touch provisioning approach is used, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to optimize resource utilization across geographically distributed public and private clouds deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a middle layer called Network as a Service (NaaS) layer that acts as an intermediary between the cloud provisioning platform and underlying physical networks. This NaaS layer includes northbound, southbound, and east-west interfaces that enable automated resource optimization across geographically distributed clouds while maintaining simple one-touch provisioning for users. The intermediary handles the complexity of resource allocation, load balancing, and network configuration without requiring user intervention.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network types (SDN and legacy networks) are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network infrastructure management into distinct functional layers: the cloud provisioning platform layer, the NaaS middle layer, and the underlying physical network layer. The NaaS layer is further segmented into northbound interfaces (communicating with cloud platform), southbound interfaces (communicating with physical networks), and east-west interfaces (communicating with other NaaS instances). This segmentation allows integration of multiple network types while managing complexity through clear interface definitions and modular architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If geographically distributed cloud resources are utilized, then adaptability is improved, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring resource status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the NaaS layer that continuously monitor and report resource status across geographically distributed clouds. The east-west interfaces enable communication between distributed NaaS instances to share resource status information, while southbound interfaces collect real-time data from underlying physical networks. This feedback loop provides centralized visibility and measurement capabilities for distributed resources, enabling automated decision-making and resource optimization.
Data Source
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AI summary
This disclosure relates generally to provisioning network services in a cloud computing environment, and more particularly to framework for provisioning network services in a heterogeneous cloud computing environment. In one embodiment, the disclosure includes a network as a service (NaaS) layer (106) under a cloud provisioning platform (204). The NaaS layer (106) can be interfaced with any cloud provisioning platform (204). The NaaS layer (106) serves the networking needs of the heterogeneous cloud environment. It provides network services like monitoring, notifications, QoS policies, network topology and other services. For example, the cloud provisioning platform (204) defines a virtual network and attaches a plurality of virtual machines to it. All the communications related to creation/deletion/update of virtual networks, virtual subnets, virtual ports, virtual router, virtual interfaces etc., are sent to the NaaS layer (106). On receiving the communication, the NaaS layer (106) takes necessary steps to provide the network services as per the needs of the request. Apart from provisioning, the NaaS layer (106) periodically monitors the network elements as well.