Network Service Function API for Dynamic Path Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication networks lack an efficient mechanism for customers to dynamically select and manage network service functions, such as firewalls and NAT services, across different geographical locations, limiting flexibility and control over data routing.
Innovation Solution
An API is provided to expose network service functions, allowing customers to select and build service function paths through which data traffic is routed, enabling dynamic management of service function chains and routing decisions based on geographical location, loading, and service type.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network service functions are placed near customers based on geographical location, then service delivery efficiency is improved, but customer flexibility and control over service function selection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An API intermediary is introduced between customers and network service functions. The API allows customers to discover, select, and configure service functions dynamically without directly managing their physical placement. This intermediary layer maintains geographical optimization for service delivery while granting customers flexible control through programmatic interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The network service function architecture is segmented into independent, selectable units that can be individually configured through the API. Customers can choose specific service functions from available options rather than receiving a monolithic service package, enabling flexible composition of services while maintaining efficient geographical deployment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If network service functions are statically deployed, then network stability is improved, but dynamic service management and customer control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic service function selection and configuration through the API while maintaining stable network infrastructure. Service function chains can be dynamically assembled, modified, and routed based on customer requirements without disrupting the underlying network stability. The API enables runtime configuration changes without requiring network reconfiguration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive network service function information is exposed, then customer control and selection capability is improved, but system complexity and security exposure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The API serves as a controlled intermediary that exposes necessary service function information to customers while filtering and managing the complexity of underlying network infrastructure. The API abstracts complex network details into manageable service descriptors, enabling customer control without directly exposing system complexity or security vulnerabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, specification of network service functions (e.g., a firewall or network address translation appliance) to be included in a service function path. Routers in a communication network may publish information regarding reachable network service functions and an API may be exposed that provides the information regarding the reachable network service functions. Other embodiments are disclosed.