Network Function Specification Data Structure for Hybrid Service Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network provisioning systems lack flexibility in managing service provisioning with multiple network functions, as they often require physical device additions or removals to adapt to changing demands, and struggle to efficiently utilize both physical and virtual network functions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and control system that uses a network function specification data structure to select between physical and virtual network function implementations based on service requirements, allowing for hybrid deployment and efficient resource allocation by defining generic properties and conditions such as load, policy, and quality of service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical devices are added or removed to meet changing network demands, then network capacity and functionality are adjusted, but device complexity and provisioning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic service provisioning by allowing the selection of different network function implementations (first, second, or third implementations) based on real-time service requirements. The control system can dynamically switch between implementations without physical device changes, enabling adaptive network capacity adjustment. This resolves the contradiction by providing flexibility in meeting changing demands while avoiding the time-consuming process of physical device addition or removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of network function implementation selection based on service requirements. By defining different implementations with varying characteristics and selecting appropriate implementations through the control system, the network can adjust capacity and functionality by changing implementation parameters rather than physical configuration. This enables rapid adaptation to changing network demands without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple network function implementations are supported, then flexibility and resource efficiency improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with multi-functionality to manage multiple network function implementations (first, second, and third implementations) through a unified interface. The control system can select, switch, and manage different implementations based on service requirements, providing universal control capability. This resolves the contradiction by consolidating management complexity into a single control system that handles multiple implementations through standardized procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the service requirements and the various network function implementations. It receives service requirements, determines the appropriate implementation, and manages the selection process. This intermediary role simplifies the overall system architecture by centralizing the decision-making logic and providing a single point of control for managing multiple implementations, thereby reducing the complexity burden on individual network elements.
3Reliability
If physical network functions are used, then performance and reliability are maintained, but adaptability to changing demands is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic switching between physical network function implementations and virtual network function implementations based on real-time service requirements. The control system can select the first implementation (physical) for critical performance requirements or switch to the second or third implementations (virtual) for flexible demand changes. This dynamic adaptability allows the system to maintain reliability when needed while responding quickly to changing demands, resolving the contradiction between performance and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system provides universal management capability that handles both physical and virtual network function implementations through a unified approach. It can determine the appropriate implementation type based on service requirements and manage both physical and virtual functions using the same control framework. This multi-functional capability enables the system to leverage physical networks for performance-critical functions while using virtual functions for flexible demand changes, thereby maintaining both reliability and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a computer-implemented method and control system for controlling provisioning of a service in a network. A network function specification data structure of a network function of the service is obtained, wherein the network function specification data structure is associated with at least a first network function implementation, e.g. a physical network function implementation, and a second network function implementation, e.g. a virtual network function implementation, for performing the network function of the service. Network service provisioning is controlled comprising selecting the first network function implementation or the second network function implementation of the network function in the network function specification data structure.