NFV Base Station Congestion Control via Dynamic Resource Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current congestion control methods in NFV networks either reduce service transmission quality by lowering bit rates or prevent new users from accessing the network, which are not optimal solutions for maintaining service quality and user requests during congestion.
Innovation Solution
A congestion control method that involves sending a scaling request message to a network functions virtualization orchestrator (NFVO) to determine a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) capable of providing the required resources, allowing the VIM to allocate and configure resources for the base station, thereby performing congestion control without reducing service quality or blocking new users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional congestion control methods are used (preventing new user access or reducing bit rates), then network load is reduced, but service transmission quality deteriorates and user requests are blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by proactively allocating additional resources to the base station before congestion fully develops. The network management system detects early signs of congestion and triggers resource scaling operations in advance, securing additional computing, storage, or networking resources before the congestion critically impacts service quality. This prevents the need for reactive quality degradation measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a flexible, adaptive resource allocation system that can dynamically scale resources based on real-time congestion conditions. The resource scaling is not static but adjusts continuously according to network load, allowing the system to optimize between resource utilization and service quality. This dynamic approach enables smooth transitions between normal and congested states without abrupt quality changes.
2Reliability
If resources are dynamically allocated to base station, then service transmission quality is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary network management system that sits between the base station and the resource pool. This intermediary handles the complexity of resource allocation, scaling decisions, and coordination with the NFV infrastructure. By centralizing these control functions in a dedicated management entity, the complexity is isolated and managed systematically rather than being distributed across multiple network elements, making the overall system more controllable despite the dynamic resource allocation.
3Reliability
If resource scaling is performed before congestion occurs, then service quality is maintained, but resource waste increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor network congestion conditions and base station resource utilization. This feedback loop allows the system to make informed decisions about when to scale resources up or down. By reacting to actual measured conditions rather than using fixed pre-allocation schedules, the system avoids wasting resources during periods of low demand while ensuring resources are available when congestion is detected. The feedback-driven approach enables precise, demand-responsive resource management.
Data Source
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AI summary
Embodiments of the present invention relate to the communications field, and provide a congestion control method and a network element device. The method includes: receiving a scaling request message, where the scaling request message carries a resource parameter that is used to represent a size of a resource required by a base station encountering congestion; sending the scaling request message to a network functions virtualization orchestrator NFVO, where the scaling request message is used to request the NFVO to determine a virtualized infrastructure manager VIM capable of providing the resource required by the base station; receiving a resource reservation success message sent by the NFVO, where the resource reservation success message carries identification information of the VIM; and requesting, according to the resource parameter and the identification information of the VIM, the VIM to allocate the resource required by the base station, and configuring the allocated resource for the base station, to perform congestion control on the base station. According to the present invention, service transmission quality can be improved or a normal service request from a user can be ensured.