NFV Controller Switch Selection for VNF Portability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network function virtualization (NFV) systems face challenges in optimizing data path performance due to heterogeneous switch types and resource exhaustion, which affects the throughput and portability of virtualized network functions (VNFs).
Innovation Solution
A controller for NFV infrastructure selects the appropriate switch types and input/output methods for VNFs based on available resources and requirements, provisioning them on host computing devices to optimize switching performance while ensuring portability and security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If heterogeneous switch types are used in NFV infrastructure, then device functionality and versatility are improved, but system complexity and resource management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual switch as an intermediary layer between physical switches and VNFs. This virtual switch abstracts the heterogeneity of different physical switch types (hardware switches, software switches, virtual switches) and presents a unified interface to VNFs. The virtual switch manages packet forwarding, filtering, and networking functions while hiding the complexity of underlying physical switch differences, thus maintaining versatility while reducing system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal virtual switch architecture that can operate with multiple types of physical switches simultaneously. The virtual switch is designed to be multi-functional, supporting hardware switches, software switches, and other virtual switches as back-end connections. This universal design allows the system to accommodate diverse switch types without requiring separate management mechanisms for each type, resolving the contradiction between versatility and complexity.
2Productivity
If resource allocation is optimized for throughput, then data path performance is improved, but VNF portability and migration capability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network function into control plane and data plane components. The virtual switch handles data plane operations (packet forwarding, filtering) with optimized throughput, while the VNF maintains control plane functionality. This segmentation allows the data path to be optimized for performance while the VNF remains portable and migratable, as the control plane can be moved independently without affecting the optimized data path infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual switch acts as an intermediary that decouples VNF portability requirements from data path performance optimization. By inserting this abstraction layer, the system can optimize packet forwarding paths for high throughput while VNFs maintain their portability characteristics. The virtual switch manages the mapping between portable VNFs and optimized data paths, allowing both requirements to coexist without conflict.
3Productivity
If switch types are selected based on performance requirements, then data path performance is improved, but configuration complexity and provisioning time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of virtual switches with pre-defined performance profiles and capabilities. During provisioning, the system selects from pre-configured virtual switch templates rather than creating custom configurations from scratch. This preliminary preparation reduces provisioning time while maintaining the ability to select appropriate switch types for performance requirements, as the heavy configuration work is done in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based configuration where virtual switches are defined by a set of parameters (performance requirements, packet processing capabilities, supported protocols). By changing these parameters rather than reconfiguring entire switch systems, the patent enables rapid provisioning. The system can adjust performance parameters and select appropriate switch types through parameter modification, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining performance optimization.
Data Source
AI summary
In general, techniques are described for selecting types of switches and corresponding input/output methods for virtualized network functions (VNFs) of a network service and selecting one or more host computing devices to host the VNFs for the network service to realize the selected types of switches and corresponding input/output methods for the VNFs. For example, a controller that performs aspects of NFV management and orchestration (MANO) receives requirements for a network service to be provisioned in the NFVI. Based on the requirements for the network service, which may specify one or VNFs and may specify individual requirements for each VNF, the controller selects a type of switch and corresponding input/output method for each VNF.