NFV Application Upgrade Automation via VIM and NFVO Orchestration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network functions virtualization (NFV) applications lack an automated procedure for upgrading, relying on manual processes due to the absence of automated upgrade sequences and configurations.
Innovation Solution
A method is provided that uses a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) to create network resources and virtual machines for new-version virtual network functions (VNFs), configures them on a test network, and switches to production after successful testing, with an NFV orchestrator (NFVO) managing the upgrade and service switching to ensure seamless transitions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If manual upgrade procedures are used for NFV applications, then flexibility in upgrade sequence and procedure is maintained, but automation extent and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service automation through the VIM and NFVO components that automatically execute upgrade procedures, create virtual machines, configure network resources, and perform service switching without requiring manual intervention. The automated orchestration system manages the entire upgrade lifecycle including testing and rollback capabilities.
2Productivity
If automated upgrade procedures are implemented, then productivity and automation extent improve, but device complexity and difficulty of managing upgrade sequences increase
Solution Approach 1:
The upgrade process is segmented into distinct automated phases: resource creation, virtual machine instantiation, configuration deployment, testing validation, and service switching. Each phase is independently managed by the orchestration system, allowing complex upgrades to be broken down into manageable automated steps that can be executed systematically.
Solution Approach 2:
The NFVO acts as an intermediary between the VIM and the upgrade management system, coordinating complex multi-step procedures. The VIM serves as an intermediary layer between physical infrastructure and virtualized resources, automatically managing resource allocation and configuration during upgrades.
3Speed
If new-version VNF is deployed on production network directly, then upgrade speed improves, but service reliability and stability deteriorate due to potential failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by first deploying the new-version VNF on a test network environment before production deployment. This allows validation of functionality, performance testing, and verification of compatibility without risking production service stability. Only after successful test validation is the upgrade propagated to the production network.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements beforehand cushioning through automated rollback mechanisms and service continuity protocols. If issues are detected during or after upgrade deployment, the system can automatically revert to the previous stable version, cushioning against potential service disruptions and maintaining reliability.
4Loss of time
If manual service switching is performed during upgrade, then control precision is maintained, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The automated orchestration system performs self-service service switching by automatically managing traffic redirection, load balancing transitions, and service instance routing during upgrades. The system monitors service health and automatically switches traffic between old and new VNF instances without requiring manual operational intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining service availability throughout the upgrade process. Automated load balancing and traffic routing protocols ensure that service functionality continues uninterrupted during the transition from old to new VNF versions, eliminating downtime associated with manual switching.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for upgrading a network functions virtualization application includes creating, by a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM), a network resource according to an upgrade plan for the network functions virtualization application; creating, by the VIM, a virtual machine for a new-version virtualized network function (VNF) according to the upgrade plan; configuring, by the VIM, the virtual machine on a test network according to the network resource; performing, by the VIM, upgrade configuration on the virtual machine according to an upgrade configuration script to obtain the new-version VNF; and switching, by an NFV orchestrator, an earlier-version VNF to the new-version VNF after determining that a function test of the new-version VNF on the test network is successful. In the embodiments of the present disclosure, an automated upgrade procedure and upgrade steps for a network functions virtualization application are defined, so that upgrading the network functions virtualization application can be automated.