Network Function Migration for SDN Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

In existing software defined networks (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) systems, function migration between network nodes is only possible when a user exceeds the service range of an original network node, leading to inefficient resource allocation, where busy nodes handle excessive loads while idle nodes remain underutilized, and the user may not connect to the optimal node with the best signal or least congestion.

Innovation Solution

A method where a first network node or controller actively sends a function migration request to a second network node, including necessary information such as user identifiers, function details, and service data, to enable proactive migration of user functions, allowing the network to allocate optimal resources and reduce busy node burdens.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If function migration is only performed when user exceeds service range, then network nodes can maintain simple operation logic, but network resource allocation becomes inefficient with idle nodes remaining underutilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation logic simplicityVSAvoidnetwork resource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by proactively migrating user functions from busy network nodes to idle nodes before the user actually moves or before service quality degrades. The network management system monitors node load and initiates function migration in advance, transferring service functions to more suitable nodes proactively, thus improving resource allocation efficiency while maintaining simple operation logic through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If function migration is only performed when user exceeds service range, then the system maintains simple migration triggers, but user function performance and network performance become relatively poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemigration trigger complexityVSAvoiduser function performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by establishing a closed-loop system that continuously monitors multiple parameters including user location, network node load status, signal quality, and service performance. Based on this real-time feedback, the system dynamically decides when and where to migrate user functions, ensuring optimal performance while maintaining relatively simple migration triggers through automated multi-criteria evaluation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by considering multiple dynamic parameters for migration decisions, including but not limited to user location coordinates, network node load thresholds, signal quality metrics, and service performance indicators. By monitoring and responding to changes in these parameters, the system achieves reliable function performance while keeping the migration trigger mechanism relatively simple through parameter-based automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If network cannot actively allocate function service to another network node, then the system maintains simple control structure, but some network nodes process large quantity of function services while others remain nearly idle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol structure simplicityVSAvoidnetwork node utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service by enabling the network management system to autonomously monitor node load status, identify migration opportunities, and execute function migration decisions without requiring complex centralized control or manual intervention. The system automatically balances load across nodes by having the network infrastructure serve itself through automated monitoring and adjustment, thus improving node utilization while maintaining simple control structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3148163B1Function transfer method, device and system
Publication Date: 2018.11.07 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD
  • EP3148163B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3148163B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3148163B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention disclose a function migration method, an apparatus, and a system, which are applied to the communications field, and a network can actively transfer a function service of a user between network nodes. The method is specifically: sending, by a first network node, a function migration request to the second network node; receiving, by the first network node, a function migration response sent by the second network node; and sending, by the first network node, a migration execution instruction to the second network node, where the migration execution instruction is used to instruct the second network node to perform the first function service on the first user. The present invention is used by a network to transfer a function service of a user between network nodes.