Network Slice Availability Calculation via VNF Descriptor Parameters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Network Function Virtualization (NFV) systems face challenges in ensuring the availability of network slices due to inadequate categorization methods, which do not accurately account for the availability of Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) and their redundancy models.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method and system improve NFV operations by calculating the total availability of a network slice as a product of individual VNF and NFVI availability, allowing for the selection of VNFs and redundancy models based on absolute availability values provided in modified VNF descriptors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If current categorization methods are used to manage VNF availability, then system complexity is reduced, but availability calculation accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a new parameter classification system that changes how VNF availability parameters are defined and categorized. By establishing distinct parameter types (absolute availability, deployment flavor availability, redundancy model availability), the system achieves accurate availability calculations without proportionally increasing complexity, as the parameter changes are systematic and standardized across all VNFs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the availability calculation into distinct components: VNF absolute availability, deployment flavor availability, and redundancy model availability. This segmentation allows each component to be calculated and managed independently, then combined through standardized formulas to achieve overall accurate availability measurement without requiring a monolithic complex system.
2Measurement precision
If detailed internal redundancy information from VNFs is required, then availability management precision is improved, but information exchange complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential availability parameters from VNF internal redundancy information through the VNF descriptor. Instead of requiring exchange of detailed internal redundancy configurations, the system extracts standardized availability values (absolute availability, deployment flavor availability) that are sufficient for network-level availability management, thereby maintaining precision while reducing information exchange complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The VNF descriptor acts as an intermediary that translates complex internal VNF redundancy information into standardized availability parameters. This intermediary layer allows the network management system to obtain necessary availability information without directly accessing or processing detailed internal redundancy configurations, thus maintaining management precision while simplifying information exchange.
3Manufacturing precision
If absolute availability values are provided in VNF descriptors, then network service composition accuracy is improved, but VNF descriptor complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the VNF descriptor by introducing specific availability parameters (absolute availability, deployment flavor availability, redundancy model availability) in a standardized format. This parameter change improves network service composition accuracy by providing explicit availability values, while the standardized structure prevents excessive complexity growth through consistent formatting and clear semantic definitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The availability parameters are pre-calculated and embedded in the VNF descriptor during VNF creation or configuration. This preliminary action allows network operators to directly use these pre-computed values when composing network services, eliminating the need for complex real-time calculations and reducing the operational complexity despite the enhanced descriptor structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system for providing a NS instance satisfying a requested availability of a NSI comprises obtaining at least one VNFD for a VNF composing the NS, the VNFD being associated with at least one absolute availability value guaranteed according to at least one DF; obtaining an availability value of NFVI on which the VNF is to be deployed; determining a minimum availability value for a NS instance of the NS; selecting a VNF DF and RM for the VNF DF such that the product of the absolute availability value of the VNF DF, taking into account the selected RM, and of the availability value of the NFVI is greater than or equal to the minimum availability value for the NS instance; and instantiating the NS instance by instantiating at least one VNF instance according to the at least one selected VNF DF and corresponding RM.