NFVO VNF Upgrade Orchestration for Seamless Service Continuity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing VNF upgrade process in network function virtualization management and orchestration (NFV MANO) architecture interrupts the running of old VNF instances, affecting services with higher real-time requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method for upgrading virtualized network functions involves a network function virtualization orchestrator that receives an upgrade request, instantiates a new VNF instance with a preset software version, connects it to the existing network service, configures forwarding paths for service flows, and terminates the old VNF instance when it is determined to be idle, ensuring seamless switching without service interruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the old VNF instance is terminated during the upgrade process, then the new VNF instance can be deployed with updated software version, but the service flow processing is interrupted and real-time service requirements are not met
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating and configuring the new VNF instance with the updated software version before terminating the old instance. The new instance is prepared in advance, connected to the network service, and configured with forwarding paths so that it is ready to immediately take over service flow processing when the old instance is terminated, thus avoiding service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the new VNF instance as an intermediary during the upgrade process. The new instance acts as a temporary mediator that takes over service flow processing from the old instance, ensuring continuous service delivery during the transition. This intermediary approach allows the system to maintain service continuity while updating the software version.
2Productivity
If the upgrade process terminates the old VNF instance immediately, then the upgrade is completed quickly, but service flows are interrupted and real-time processing is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating and configuring the new VNF instance with the updated software version before terminating the old instance. The new instance is prepared in advance, connected to the network service, and configured with forwarding paths so that it is ready to immediately take over service flow processing when the old instance is terminated, thus avoiding service interruption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures continuity of useful action by maintaining service flow processing throughout the upgrade process. The new VNF instance is configured to process service flows before the old instance is terminated, and the forwarding paths are set up to ensure continuous data transmission. This allows the upgrade to proceed without interrupting the useful action of service flow processing.
3Reliability
If both old and new VNF instances run simultaneously during transition, then service continuity is maintained, but system complexity and resource consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a dynamic transition process where the old and new VNF instances coexist temporarily with differentiated roles. The system dynamically switches from the old instance to the new instance by configuring forwarding paths that direct service flows to the appropriate instance. This dynamic approach allows for controlled complexity during the transition period while ensuring service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the VNF instance management into distinct phases: creation of new instance, configuration of forwarding paths, and termination of old instance. This segmentation allows for controlled management of multiple instances, reducing overall complexity by handling each instance in a structured, step-by-step manner rather than managing them simultaneously as a monolithic system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application provides a method for upgrading a virtualized network function and a network function virtualization orchestrator NFVO. The NFVO includes: a receiver, configured to receive an upgrade request message, the upgrade request message is configured to request the NFVO to upgrade a first software version corresponding to a first VNF to a second software version, the first software version corresponds to a first VNF instance, and the second software version corresponds to a second VNF instance; and a processor, configured to: instantiate the first VNF to obtain the second VNF instance; configure forwarding paths of service flows in an NS, so that a first service flow is forwarded to the first VNF instance and that a second service flow is forwarded to the second VNF instance; and terminate the first VNF instance if it is determined that the first VNF instance runs without loads within a preset time.