NFV Configuration via Programming Language VNFD

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network function virtualization (NFV) technologies in wireless communication systems face challenges in representing VNF configuration information and removing dependencies between virtual network function descriptors (VNFD) and NFV infrastructure, limiting flexibility and scalability.

Innovation Solution

An apparatus and method for NFV that involves obtaining a VNFD, identifying VNF configuration information expressed in a programming language, determining VNF resource information, and transmitting a VNF generation request message to dynamically configure and deploy virtual network functions, thereby eliminating dependencies between VNFD and NFV infrastructure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If VNF configuration information is represented using traditional non-programming language formats in VNFD, then the NFV system maintains simpler infrastructure dependencies, but the flexibility and scalability of dynamic VNF configuration are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and scalability of VNF configurationVSAvoiddependency between VNFD and NFV infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of configuration information representation from traditional non-programming language formats to programming language formats (such as XML, JSON, YAML). This parameter change enables dynamic configuration and automated deployment of VNFs, significantly improving flexibility and scalability while resolving the technical contradiction by allowing the system to adapt to different configuration needs without increasing infrastructure dependencies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes manual configuration mechanisms with automated programming language-based configuration systems. By using programming languages to represent VNF configuration information in VNFD, the system replaces manual, static configuration processes with automated, dynamic processes that can be programmatically generated, modified, and deployed, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If manual reconfiguration methods are used for VNF deployment, then the system maintains lower operational complexity, but the operational efficiency and deployment speed are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational efficiency of VNF deploymentVSAvoidautomation infrastructure requirements

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service capabilities by enabling the NFV system to automatically configure and deploy VNFs using programming language-based VNFD files. The system can autonomously parse configuration information, generate necessary resources, and deploy VNFs without manual intervention, significantly improving operational efficiency. The automation infrastructure required is standardized and well-established in NFV contexts, so while it increases complexity, it provides substantial productivity gains that justify the investment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If dynamic VNF configuration is implemented using programming languages, then the scalability of the NFV system is improved, but the complexity of VNFD processing and parsing increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescalability of NFV systemVSAvoidVNFD processing and parsing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by using standardized programming languages (XML, JSON, YAML) that are widely supported and can represent diverse VNF configuration scenarios. These languages provide multi-functional capabilities for expressing different types of configuration information (network parameters, resource allocations, service chains) in a unified format. The widespread adoption of these languages means that existing parsers and processing tools can be reused, which mitigates the increase in processing complexity while enabling scalable NFV systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11656897B2Apparatus and method for network function virtualization in wireless communication system

Publication Date: 2023.05.23 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD

AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a pre-5th-Generation (5G) or 5G communication system to be provided for supporting higher data rates Beyond 4th-Generation (4G) communication system such as Long Term Evolution (LTE). An operating method of a device for network function virtualization (NFV) in a communication system includes obtaining a virtual network function descriptor (VNFD), identifying VNF configuration information expressed in a programming language from the VNFD, determining VNF resource information based on the VNF configuration information, and transmitting a VNF generation request message including the VNF resource information.