NFV Cluster Node Lifecycle Management for Automated Scaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

The life cycle management of nodes in Network Function Virtualization (NFV) systems is not adequately addressed in existing open-source technologies like Kubernetes, which hinders efficient resource management and scalability.

Innovation Solution

A node management method and apparatus that includes a cluster node manager (CNM) to handle node creation, scaling, and release, interacting with NFVO, VIM, and OSS to manage node life cycles, ensuring efficient resource allocation and scalability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing open-source technologies like Kubernetes are used for cluster nodes, then container integration environment can be run, but life cycle management of nodes in NFV system is not involved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenode life cycle management capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a Node Manager as an intermediary component that bridges the gap between existing Kubernetes cluster management and NFV life cycle management requirements. The Node Manager receives node life cycle management information from the NFV orchestrator and translates it into Kubernetes-compatible operations, enabling node creation, scaling, and release management without directly modifying the Kubernetes core architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If manual node management is performed in NFV system, then basic node operations can be executed, but resource allocation efficiency and scalability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation efficiencyVSAvoidtime for node management operations

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automated node life cycle management where the system self-manages node operations based on received management information. The Node Manager automatically performs node creation, scaling, and release operations in response to NFV orchestrator instructions, eliminating manual intervention and significantly improving resource allocation efficiency while reducing management time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If node life cycle management is not integrated, then existing Kubernetes functionality is maintained, but resource utilization and scalability are hindered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration capability with NFVVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal Node Manager that handles both Kubernetes cluster management operations and NFV node life cycle management requirements. This multi-functional component can process various types of node management tasks including creation, scaling, and release operations, enabling seamless integration between Kubernetes and NFV systems while optimizing resource utilization across the platform.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12566642B2Node management method, device and apparatus, storage medium, and system

Publication Date: 2026.03.03 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A node management method, a node management apparatus, a cluster node manager, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium and a network function virtualization system are disclosed. The node management method may include: receiving node life cycle management information (S11); performing life cycle management on a node according to the node life cycle management information, where the node life cycle management includes at least one of node creation, node scaling and node release (S12).