NFV Service Migration via Hierarchical Load Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network Function Virtualization (NFV) based networks face complexity in optimizing service delivery due to contradictory considerations of providing services close to subscribers and centralizing resources, requiring continuous balancing of cost and profit, while also managing hardware and software topologies for flexibility and redundancy.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing hierarchy and optimization in NFV-based networks by identifying hardware units based on load characteristics, migrating services between VNF instances without disrupting operations, and optimizing traffic routes to balance workload and resource utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If services are provided close to subscribers, then service delivery efficiency is improved, but resource centralization is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network into multiple hierarchical levels (core network, regional networks, local networks) with VNFs distributed across different hardware units at each level. This segmentation allows services to be delivered close to subscribers at local levels while resources remain centrally managed at higher levels, resolving the contradiction between service delivery efficiency and resource centralization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different hardware units and VNF instances to have specialized functions tailored to local requirements. Each hardware unit can be optimized for specific services or traffic types, enabling efficient local service delivery while maintaining overall network resource coordination through the management system.
2Productivity
If resources are centralized, then resource utilization efficiency is improved, but service delivery proximity to subscribers is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to resource management, organizing hardware units and VNFs across multiple levels (core, regional, local). This dimensional structure allows resources to be centralized at higher levels for efficient utilization while simultaneously enabling fast local service delivery at lower levels, thus resolving the time-efficiency contradiction.
Solution Approach 2:
The management system acts as an intermediary that coordinates between centralized resource pools and distributed service delivery points. It orchestrates VNF instantiation, migration, and resource allocation across the hierarchical structure, ensuring both efficient resource utilization and rapid local service response.
3Adaptability or versatility
If VNFs are migrated between hardware units, then network flexibility is improved, but service continuity disruption risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by establishing backup VNF instances on target hardware units before migrating services from source units. This advance preparation ensures that if migration fails or issues arise, the backup instances are already in place and can immediately take over, thus maintaining service continuity while enabling flexible migration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides beforehand cushioning by maintaining redundant VNF instances and excess resources during migration processes. This cushioning mechanism absorbs potential migration failures or service disruptions, allowing the network to maintain flexibility for load balancing and optimization while protecting service continuity through pre-established safety buffers.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for managing hierarchy and optimization in network function virtualization based networks. In use, a first hardware unit of a plurality of hardware units associated with a network function virtualization (NFV) based communication network is identified, the first hardware unit being identified based on a first load characteristic associated with the first hardware unit. Further, a first virtual network function (VNF) instance associated with the first hardware unit is identified, the first VNF instance being associated with usage of at least one service. Additionally, at least one traffic route associated with the first VNF instance is identified, the at least one traffic route being associated with usage of the at least one service. Furthermore, a second hardware unit for handling at least a portion of a workload associated with the at least one service is identified, the second hardware unit being identified based on a second load characteristic associated with the second hardware unit, and the second hardware unit being capable of utilizing the at least one traffic route. Still yet, a second VNF instance is initiated in the second hardware unit. Moreover, at least part of the at least one service is migrated from the first VNF instance to the second VNF instance without disrupting the service.