Dynamic IP Subnet Allocation for NFV Scaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network function virtualization (NFV) technologies face challenges in scaling virtualized network functions (VNFs) and network services (NS) due to insufficient IP address allocation during scaling processes, leading to resource wastage and insufficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for scaling VNFs and NSs that involve a VNF manager (VNFM) and network function virtualization orchestrator (NFVO) to dynamically create and manage subnets and IP address allocation based on scaling requests, ensuring adequate IP address resources are allocated during scaling processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a fixed IP address pool is allocated to a virtual link during initial deployment, then the deployment process is simple, but IP address insufficiency occurs during scaling operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic IP address pool management where the IP address pool size automatically adjusts based on scaling operations. When VNFs are scaled out, the system dynamically expands the IP address pool by allocating additional subnets, transforming the static IP allocation into a dynamic resource that adapts to changing network requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent pre-configures multiple subnets within the virtual link definition, but these subnets remain inactive until needed. During scaling operations, the system activates and allocates additional subnets from the pre-configured pool, allowing rapid IP address provisioning without requiring complex real-time negotiations or manual interventions.
2Quantity of substance
If a large IP address resource pool is planned for the virtual link at initial stage, then IP address insufficiency during scaling is avoided, but resource wastage occurs when scaling to lower levels
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically activates and deactivates subnets based on the current scaling level. When scaling down, previously allocated subnets are deactivated and returned to the available pool, ensuring no permanent wastage occurs. This dynamic resource management allows the system to maintain adequate IP addresses for maximum scaling while avoiding permanent allocation waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a hierarchical subnet structure where multiple subnets are nested within the virtual link. These subnets can be selectively activated and deactivated based on scaling requirements, allowing the system to nest resource allocation at different levels of granularity and efficiently manage IP address usage across varying scale levels.
3Manufacturing precision
If IP address allocation is manually managed during scaling, then allocation precision can be controlled, but the scaling process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated IP address allocation mechanisms that self-manage the provisioning and de-provisioning of IP addresses during scaling operations. The virtualization manager automatically calculates required IP addresses, activates appropriate subnets, and updates network configurations without manual intervention, maintaining precision while eliminating operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors the current scaling state and automatically adjusts IP address allocation accordingly. The scaling level information feeds back into the resource management system, which then automatically provisions or de-provisions IP addresses to match the current operational requirements, ensuring precise allocation without manual complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A scaling method related to the field of network function virtualization (NFV) includes a VNF manager (VNFM) that receives a virtualized network function (VNF) scale out request from an NFV orchestrator (NFVO), where the request includes VNF instance information and indication information that indicates a scale aspect and step; the VNFM determines, based on the VNF scale out request, information about a virtualization deployment unit (VDU) and a corresponding subnet that need to be created; and the VNFM requests creation of the VDU and the corresponding subnet from a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM).