NFV IP Address Allocation via VNFD Requirement Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Network Function Virtualization (NFV) systems, there is a need for an efficient mechanism to coordinate and implement special IP address allocation requests for specific virtual network function components (VNFC) instances across different vendor nodes, as existing systems lack a standardized approach to support vendor-specific IP address allocation schemes.
Innovation Solution
A method and system where a first node in the NFV system obtains IP address allocation requirements from a virtualised network function descriptor (VNFD), determines additional requirements, and sends them to a second node for IP address allocation, ensuring that the allocated IP address meets the specified criteria, such as type, access point name, IP address pool, range, or list, to support dynamic and static allocation processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a standardized IP address allocation mechanism is implemented across NFV systems, then compatibility and resource management efficiency are improved, but flexibility to support vendor-specific allocation schemes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The IP address allocation process is segmented into multiple stages: (1) extracting basic allocation requirements from VNFD, (2) determining additional requirements based on allocation type (static/dynamic), and (3) sending refined requirements to the second node for actual allocation. This segmentation allows the system to handle both standardized and vendor-specific requirements through a modular approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The first node acts as an intermediary between the VNFD and the second node. It receives the basic allocation requirements, processes them through determination logic, and sends refined requirements to the second node. This intermediary layer enables the system to translate between different allocation schemes while maintaining overall system compatibility.
2Productivity
If dynamic IP address allocation is used for VNFC instances, then resource management efficiency is improved, but the complexity of coordinating allocation across multiple nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic allocation process is divided into distinct functional segments: the first node extracts requirements from VNFD, determines additional dynamic allocation parameters, and sends them to the second node which performs the actual allocation. This segmentation reduces coordination complexity by dividing the allocation task into manageable steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback mechanisms where the first node receives the VNFD, processes it through determination logic, and sends refined requirements to the second node. This feedback loop ensures that allocation requirements are properly translated and coordinated across nodes while maintaining efficiency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If vendor-specific IP address allocation schemes are supported, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but system complexity and standardization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by allowing different allocation determination logic at the first node based on the specific VNFD and allocation type. While the overall architecture remains standardized, the local processing of allocation requirements can adapt to vendor-specific schemes through the determination step.
Solution Approach 2:
The allocation mechanism is made dynamic through the determination step that adapts to different allocation types (static/dynamic) and vendor-specific requirements. The system can switch between standardized and vendor-specific allocation logic based on the input VNFD, providing flexibility without sacrificing overall standardization.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer instructions for allocating an IP address for an instance in a network function virtualization (NFV) system, that when executed by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform the steps of obtaining a first requirement of IP address allocation from VNFD by a first node in the NFV system, determining a second requirement of IP address allocation for the instance according to the first requirement; and sending to a second node in the NFV system the second requirement, wherein the IP address is allocated for the instance based upon the second requirement.