Network Processing Element Virtualization for Service Provisioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network topologies for providing multiple services are inefficient, leading to high operational and capital expenditures, power consumption, and resource wastage, as they are typically implemented using discrete communication devices with limited optimization potential.

Innovation Solution

A network processing element (NPU) configured to store state data for various services, allowing dynamic resource allocation across a cluster of NPUs based on availability, enabling the provisioning of services through any port and optimizing resource usage by intelligently allocating processing resources and implementing a paging mechanism for multiplexing services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If discrete communication devices with dedicated routers are used to provide multiple network services, then service reliability and operational flexibility are improved, but capital expenditures and operational expenditures increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoidcapital expenditures

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple discrete communication devices and dedicated routers into a single network processing element that can host multiple virtual network functions. This consolidation merges previously separate hardware resources into one unified platform, reducing the quantity of physical devices while maintaining service reliability through virtualization and resource sharing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The network processing element is designed with universal capabilities to host multiple different virtual network functions simultaneously. A single NPU can provide routing, switching, firewall, and other network services through virtualization, making the device multi-functional and eliminating the need for dedicated single-purpose devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If discrete communication devices with dedicated routers are used to provide multiple network services, then service operational flexibility is improved, but operational expenditures increase substantially

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidoperational expenditures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements dynamic resource allocation where virtual network functions can be migrated, scaled, and reconfigured on the network processing element based on changing service requirements. This dynamic capability provides operational flexibility while reducing expenditures by efficiently utilizing shared hardware resources instead of requiring separate dedicated devices for each service.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes in the form of virtualization configurations to provide different network services on the same physical hardware. By changing software parameters and virtualization settings rather than physical device configurations, the system achieves operational flexibility at lower operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If discrete communication devices with dedicated routers are used to provide multiple network services, then service provisioning capability is improved, but power consumption and resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice provisioning capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple service provisioning functions into a single network processing element, consolidating the power consumption of multiple discrete devices into one. This consolidation maintains service provisioning capability through virtualization while reducing total power consumption by eliminating redundant hardware components and optimizing resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If discrete communication devices with dedicated routers are used to provide multiple network services, then service isolation and security are improved, but rack efficiency and resource utilization deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice isolationVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network processing element into multiple virtual instances or tenancy domains, each providing isolated service environments. This virtual segmentation maintains service isolation and security requirements while allowing efficient sharing of underlying physical resources, thereby improving resource utilization compared to dedicated physical devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4012992B1Virtualization of multiple network functions in high-scale routing

Publication Date: 2024.10.16 DRAJVNETS LTD

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AI summary

A network processing element and method for using it, are provided for use in a cluster comprising a plurality of network processing elements, wherein the network processing element is configured to enable provisioning of a plurality of different services, wherein the network processing element is configured to store state data associated with one or more functions required for carrying out each of the plurality of different services, and wherein the network processing element is further configured to provide a service or part thereof, based on the state data associated the network processing element's processing resources required for carrying out one or more functions in the provisioning of the requested service.