NFV Descriptor Dependency Segmentation for VNF Creation Sequence Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) technologies lack a clear method to define and control the creation sequence of Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) and Virtual Machines (VMs) during deployment, leading to unclear inter-VNF or inter-VDU dependency definitions.
Innovation Solution
A virtualization management/orchestration apparatus and method that reads Network Service Descriptors (NSD) and Virtualized Network Function Descriptors (VNFD) entries defining dependencies between VNFs and VMs, allowing for the creation of these elements in a controlled sequence based on defined dependencies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NFV deployment is performed without defined dependency entries, then deployment flexibility is maintained, but creation sequence control is lost leading to constraint violations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the deployment descriptor into distinct dependency entry components, where each entry separately defines relationships between VNFs or between VNFs and network resources. This segmentation allows precise control over creation sequences without overwhelming the overall descriptor structure, resolving the contradiction by making complexity manageable through modular organization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by defining dependency relationships between VNFs and network resources in advance within the deployment descriptor, before actual deployment execution. This preliminary definition of creation sequences ensures that resources are allocated in the correct order, preventing constraint violations while maintaining a structured approach to deployment management.
2Ease of operation
If dependency definitions are added to control VNF creation sequences, then deployment control is improved, but descriptor complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dependency information is segmented into discrete, standardized entry components within the descriptor. Each dependency entry represents a single relationship definition, making the complex deployment control requirements manageable through modular, incremental additions rather than monolithic structure changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter structure of the deployment descriptor by adding dependency-related parameters and attributes. These parameter changes enable precise control over creation sequences while maintaining compatibility with existing descriptor formats, balancing enhanced control capability with structural simplicity.
3Measurement precision
If inter-VNF dependency definitions are implemented, then creation sequence accuracy is improved, but information processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments dependency relationships into individual, atomic dependency entries, each representing a single precedence relationship. This segmentation enables precise measurement and control of creation sequences by breaking down complex inter-VNF dependencies into manageable, independently processable units, reducing information processing complexity while maintaining high precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtualization management/orchestration apparatus is provided with: a Network Function Virtualization Orchestrator (NFVO) that reads a Network Service Descriptor (NSD) in which an entry defining dependency between a VNF and a prescribed element is provided, and creates the VNF and the prescribed element according to the dependency defined in the NSD; and/or a VNF manager (VNFM) that reads a Virtualized Network Function Descriptor (VNFD) provided with an entry defining dependency between a VM and a prescribed element, and creates the VM and the prescribed element according to the dependency defined in the VNFD.