NFV Orchestrator Adding New Elements Without Disruption
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for adding new services to NFV-based communication networks are limited, requiring significant efforts and potentially disrupting existing services, and lack efficient methods for managing new elements without impacting existing infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for identifying and adding new elements, such as services or virtual network functions, to NFV-based communication networks without disrupting existing elements, using a selection policy that considers Key Performance Indicators, errors, and cost, and utilizing an NFV orchestrator to manage data flow and preserve service continuity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If current techniques are used to add new services to NFV-based networks, then network flexibility is maintained, but service disruption occurs and implementation effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a sandbox environment before deploying new network elements to production. The sandbox allows testing and validation of new services, VNFs, and devices in isolation, ensuring they meet selection criteria before actual deployment. This preliminary testing phase prevents service disruptions by identifying potential issues beforehand, while still allowing the network to maintain its flexible NFV architecture.
2Productivity
If new elements are added to the network, then network capacity and performance are optimized, but disruption to existing services occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sandbox environment as an intermediary between new element development and production deployment. This sandbox acts as a buffer that isolates new elements from the existing network, allowing capacity optimization through new services without directly impacting running services. The sandbox mediates the integration process, enabling safe testing and validation before production integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by establishing a protected sandbox environment that absorbs potential disruptions before they reach production services. The sandbox serves as a cushioning layer where new elements can fail or cause issues without affecting existing network services. This protective mechanism allows aggressive network capacity optimization while maintaining service stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If new elements are integrated into the network, then service model is enhanced, but implementation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the network deployment process into distinct phases: sandbox environment for testing and validation, and production environment for actual deployment. This segmentation separates the complexity of new element integration from the existing network, allowing service model enhancement without proportionally increasing overall implementation complexity. Each segment can be managed and validated independently.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for adding a new element to a Network Function Virtualization based (NFV-based) communication network. In use, at least one new element to implement in an NFV-based communication network is identified, the at least one new element including at least one new service, at least one new virtual network function (VNF), at least one new device, or at least one new software upgrade. Additionally, the at least one new element is added to a service model associated with the NFV-based communication network, without disruption of existing elements in the NFV-based communication network. Further, a selection policy associated with the at least one new network element is generated. Moreover, the at least one new element is utilized in the NFV-based communication network, in accordance with the selection policy.