NFV Driver Upgrade Decoupling via MANO Orchestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The current NFV architecture with SR-IOV technology requires synchronized upgrades of the VNF layer and NFVI, leading to complex and time-consuming processes, resulting in low upgrade efficiency and increased network risk during service migration.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method allows independent upgrades of the VNF and NFVI by decoupling the versioning of VF and PF drivers, enabling separate upgrades and simplifying the process through MANO management, which reduces the time required for upgrades and minimizes network risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the VNF layer and NFVI are upgraded together due to version coupling between VF driver and PF driver, then the driver version compatibility is maintained, but the upgrade process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the driver upgrade process into independent parts: VF driver upgrade in VNF layer and PF driver upgrade in NFVI are decoupled into separate operations. The MANO system manages these independently, allowing VNF upgrades without requiring simultaneous NFVI upgrades, thus reducing upgrade time while maintaining compatibility through proper version matching
Solution Approach 2:
The MANO (NFV Management and Orchestration) system acts as an intermediary that coordinates between VNF layer and NFVI. It manages the version coupling relationship between VF and PF drivers, enabling independent upgrades while ensuring compatibility through centralized orchestration and version matching
2Adaptability or versatility
If the VNF layer is upgraded with new VF driver, then the service functionality is improved, but the PF driver in NFVI must also be upgraded which increases upgrade complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the VF driver upgrade (for service functionality improvement) from the PF driver upgrade. The VNF layer can be upgraded with new VF drivers independently, and the MANO system manages the complexity of coordinating this with the NFVI PF driver versions through centralized orchestration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic version matching where the MANO system dynamically determines compatible PF driver versions based on the upgraded VF driver. This dynamic coordination allows service functionality improvements without fixed upgrade sequences, reducing overall system complexity
3Reliability
If the NFVI is upgraded to match new VF driver version, then the driver compatibility is ensured, but the service disruption time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the upgrade process to allow VNF layer upgrades without mandatory simultaneous NFVI upgrades. The MANO system manages compatibility by tracking PF driver versions and coordinating upgrades, enabling faster service restoration by avoiding synchronized upgrade timing requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action through pre-planned upgrade sequences where the MANO system pre-determines compatible PF driver versions before VNF upgrades. This allows compatibility to be ensured in advance without forcing immediate NFVI upgrades, reducing service disruption time
Data Source
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AI summary
A driver upgrade method and a device are provided, to simplify a driver upgrade process and improve upgrade efficiency. The driver upgrade method includes: receiving, by MANO, first information from a VNF during an upgrade of the VNF, where the first information is used to indicate version information of the VNF after the upgrade; determining, by the MANO, that an NFVI is not upgraded; and sending, by the MANO, second information to the VNF, where the second information is used to indicate the VNF not to upgrade a VF driver installed in the VNF