NFV Orchestrator Hybrid VM Container Management

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) systems lack mechanisms for the hybrid orchestration of virtual machines and containers, making it difficult to manage the life cycle of network services that require both resource types.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for network resource management that includes a Network Function Virtualization Orchestrator (NFVO) module acquiring a Network Service Descriptor (NSD) and/or Virtualized Network Function Descriptor (VNFD) from an Operation Support System (OSS) module, which describes both virtual machine and container resources, and performs life cycle management operations in virtual machine, container, or hybrid orchestration modes based on a deployment policy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the NFV system uses traditional virtual machine resource management mechanisms, then the system stability and compatibility are maintained, but the system cannot support container-based services and hybrid orchestration modes

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for container-based servicesVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends the existing NFV resource management framework to support both virtual machine and container resources through a unified interface. The VNFD (Virtualized Network Function Descriptor) is enhanced to include container-specific parameters while maintaining compatibility with existing VM-based VNF descriptions, allowing the same management system to handle multiple resource types without compromising stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces separate resource description components within the VNFD structure - specifically VDU-m for virtual machine resources and VDU-c for container resources. This segmentation allows the system to maintain distinct management paths for different resource types while using a unified overall framework, enabling container support without disrupting existing VM management workflows

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the NFV system introduces container resources and hybrid orchestration modes, then the system flexibility and service deployment capability are improved, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidorchestration system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal resource management interface that handles both VM and container resources through common NFV MANO components (NFVO, VNFM, VIM). By using a single unified descriptor format (VNFD) that can represent both resource types, the system avoids creating separate management systems, thereby limiting the increase in complexity while achieving deployment flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate abstraction layers in the form of enhanced VNFD and VDU descriptors that mediate between the diverse container/VM resources and the unified NFV management interface. These intermediaries translate container-specific concepts into NFV-standard representations, allowing the management system to remain relatively simple while supporting complex hybrid scenarios

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the system distinguishes between virtual machine and container resources in the same Network Service, then the resource management precision is improved, but the operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource management precisionVSAvoidoperational simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments resource descriptions within the VNFD into distinct VDU-m (virtual machine) and VDU-c (container) components, each with their own parameter sets. This allows the system to precisely track and manage different resource types separately while maintaining a unified overall resource view, enabling accurate resource allocation without requiring complex operational procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the VNFD parameter structure to include resource-type-specific parameters that are activated based on the deployment mode. The system uses parameter flags and conditional parameter sets to switch between VM and container management modes, allowing precise resource management through parameter configuration rather than through complex operational procedures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS12034608B2Network resource management method and system, network equipment and readable storage medium

Publication Date: 2024.07.09 ZTE CORP

AI summary

A method and a system for network resource management, a network device and a computer-readable storage medium. The method for network resource management may include: acquiring, by a Network Function Virtualization Orchestrator (NFVO) module, a Network Service Descriptor (NSD) and/or a Virtualized Network Function Descriptor (VNFD) from an Operation Support System (OSS) module, wherein the VNFD includes the description of virtual machine resources and container resources; and performing, by a Network Function Management and Orchestration (MANO) system and according to a life cycle deployment policy of an NS or VNF, a life cycle management operation on the NS or VNF in one of a virtual machine mode, a container mode and a hybrid orchestration mode.