Virtualized Resource Performance Measurement for NFV Adaptability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of modern communication networks, particularly in cellular systems, makes it challenging to optimize Network Function Virtualization (NFV) performance due to proprietary physical implementations that cannot easily adapt to varying network conditions, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of virtualized resource management.
Innovation Solution
Implementing virtualized resource performance measurements within the NFV infrastructure to dynamically allocate and manage resources, ensuring consistent service quality and timely issue resolution by using Network Function Virtualization (NFV) entities, such as VNFs and NFVI, to optimize VNF performance and NFV infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary physical implementations are used for network devices, then device functionality and service provision are enabled, but adaptability to varying network conditions and flexibility in configuration are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions from physical hardware by implementing them as virtual network functions (VNFs) that can be independently deployed and managed on standardized infrastructure. This separation allows network functions to be adapted and reconfigured without changing physical devices, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal virtualized infrastructure that can host multiple different network functions through VNFs. This multi-functional approach allows a single standardized platform to provide diverse network services, improving adaptability while reducing the need for multiple proprietary physical implementations.
2Ease of operation
If network functions are virtualized to improve flexibility, then configuration flexibility and dynamic optimization are enhanced, but performance measurement and monitoring of virtualized resources become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a performance measurement function (PMF) as an intermediary component that systematically collects, processes, and reports performance data from virtualized resources. This mediator simplifies the complexity of measuring virtualized resource performance by providing standardized interfaces and centralized monitoring capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where performance measurement data is collected from VNFs and virtualized resources, analyzed, and used to dynamically adjust resource allocation and configuration. This closed-loop feedback system makes performance monitoring manageable while enhancing operational flexibility through data-driven decisions.
3Reliability
If performance measurement is implemented to optimize VNF performance, then service quality and issue resolution are improved, but system complexity and measurement overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements performance measurement configurations in advance through the PMF, setting up measurement parameters, thresholds, and reporting mechanisms before performance issues occur. This preliminary configuration reduces the complexity of ad-hoc measurements and ensures consistent service quality monitoring without adding operational complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods of providing performance measurements (PMs) for Network Function Virtualization are generally described. A Virtual Network Function (VNF) PM job is scheduled at a VNF and VNF PM data received in response. From the VNF PM data, it is determined that virtualized resource (VR) management may be a cause of poor VNF performance. A VR PM job is scheduled and results in VR PM data. The VR PM and VNF PM data are analyzed to determine whether to increase the VR at the VNF. If an increase is determined, a request for the increase is transmitted from an element manager to a VNF manager or the VNF PM and/or VR PM data are provided to a Network Manager (NM) for the NM to request the increase by a Network Function Virtualization Orchestrator (NFVO).