NFV MANO Policy Descriptor Management for Virtual Network Instances
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Solution Overview
Problem
NFV MANO policy management is inefficient due to the need to create and maintain a large quantity of policy rules for thousands or tens of thousands of VNF/NS instances, resulting in high operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that involve receiving NFV MANO operation requests, obtaining policy descriptor files, and configuring policy parameters into policy information to form policy rules, thereby reducing the maintenance burden and improving efficiency through normalized processing and classification management of policy rules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a MANO system creates and maintains a large quantity of policy rules for thousands or tens of thousands of VNF/NS instances, then the system can manage individual instances, but the policy management efficiency deteriorates and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the management of multiple individual VNF/NS instances into a single policy descriptor that applies to entire catalogs or families of instances. Instead of creating separate policy rules for each instance, the system combines instance-specific parameters with shared policy templates, allowing one policy descriptor to govern thousands of instances simultaneously, thereby dramatically improving policy management efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal policy descriptors that can be applied across multiple VNF/NS instances with different specific parameters. A single policy descriptor template serves multiple functions by being instantiated with different parameter values for different instances, eliminating the need to maintain separate policy rules for each instance while maintaining individualized control
2Adaptability or versatility
If a MANO system creates and maintains a large quantity of policy rules for thousands or tens of thousands of VNF/NS instances, then comprehensive instance coverage is achieved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the management overhead for thousands of instances into a single policy descriptor maintenance operation. By merging instance-specific parameters with shared policy templates, the system eliminates redundant maintenance operations while maintaining comprehensive coverage, thereby reducing operational costs associated with policy rule management
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses policy descriptor templates that can be copied and instantiated for multiple instances with different parameter values. Instead of manually creating and maintaining unique policy rules for each instance, the system copies the base policy descriptor and applies parameter substitutions, dramatically reducing the operational effort and cost required to maintain comprehensive instance coverage
Data Source
AI summary
An NFV MANO policy descriptor management method and an apparatus are disclosed. The method includes: receiving, by a policy rule execution entity, a network functions virtualization management and orchestration (NFV MANO) operation request sent by a policy rule decision entity, where the NFV MANO operation request includes a policy parameter; obtaining a policy descriptor file corresponding to the NFV MANO operation request, where the policy descriptor file includes at least one piece of policy information corresponding to an NFV MANO operation requested by the NFV MANO operation request; and configuring the policy parameter into the policy information to form a policy rule. Operational efficiency of NFV MANO policy management in the prior art is improved.