NFV Offloading to Ad-Hoc Mobile Terminal Groups

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) implementations are limited to network nodes within the network, failing to leverage the collective processing power of mobile terminals for executing network functions due to individual terminals' insufficient capacity, which restricts the offloading of complex network functions like self-optimizing networks.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves forming ad-hoc groups of mobile terminals capable of device-to-device communication, where an NFV management server selects suitable groups based on criteria such as spare capacity and duration of proximity, and an NFV application server offloads and manages network functions by distributing tasks among the terminals, utilizing their collective processing power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If network functions are implemented on proprietary hardware, then service reliability is improved, but capital expenditure and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice reliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements network functions as virtualized software copies that can run on standard hardware infrastructure. Network functions are replicated across multiple virtual machines and physical hosts, enabling service deployment without proprietary hardware while maintaining reliability through virtualization abstraction and redundancy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent consolidates multiple network functions onto shared standard hardware platforms through virtualization. Multiple virtual network functions run concurrently on the same physical infrastructure, reducing overall device complexity and eliminating the need for separate proprietary hardware for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Power

If network functions are implemented on individual mobile terminals, then processing capacity is improved, but individual terminal capacity is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing capacityVSAvoidindividual terminal capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the processing capacities of multiple mobile terminals through a distributed computing framework. Individual terminals contribute their spare computing resources to a pooled resource pool that collectively executes network functions, achieving sufficient processing capacity through aggregation of individual terminal capabilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments network functions into distributed computing tasks that can be executed across multiple mobile terminals. Complex network functions are divided into smaller computational units that are allocated to individual terminals based on their available capacity, enabling parallel execution and achieving sufficient overall processing power

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If ad-hoc groups of mobile terminals are formed for NFV, then spare capacity utilization is improved, but group stability and coordination difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespare capacity utilizationVSAvoidgroup coordination complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a group management entity as an intermediary that coordinates communication and task allocation within ad-hoc groups of mobile terminals. This mediator manages group formation, maintains stability by handling terminal joins and departures, and coordinates distributed execution of network functions, reducing the coordination complexity that would otherwise burden individual terminals

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic group formation and reconfiguration mechanisms that adapt to changing terminal availability and network conditions. Ad-hoc groups can form, dissolve, and reorganize based on spare capacity availability and proximity, allowing the system to maintain productivity while managing coordination complexity through flexible, dynamic group structures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11632434B2Network functions virtualization in ad-hoc groups

Publication Date: 2023.04.18 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to virtualizing a network function in an ad-hoc group. The ad-hoc group comprises a plurality of mobile terminals that are configured for device-to-device communication, e.g., Proximity-Based Services (ProSe). The ProSe-enabled mobile terminals subscribe to a Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) service with an NFV management server. The NFV management server discovers the ad-hoc group that is suitable for NFV and informs an NFV application server of the ad-hoc group. The NFV application server then downloads data and configuration parameters to the ad-hoc group to offload a network function to the ad-hoc group for execution.