PNF Connectivity Management With NFVO Lifecycle Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The management of connectivity for physical network functions (PNFs) in next-generation (NG) networks, particularly in 5G systems, has not been adequately addressed, leading to complexity in network environments due to diverse communication devices and proprietary network devices that cannot easily adapt to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for managing PNF connectivity through a Network Manager (NM) that interacts with a Network Functions Virtualization Orchestrator (NFVO) to add or remove connectivity to PNF instances within a Network Service (NS) using specific update operations, enhancing the ETSI GS NFV-IFA013 standard to support fine-grained lifecycle management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is implemented to provide flexibility in configuring network elements, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity increases due to the virtualized environment and additional management layers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a Network Manager as an intermediary component that mediates between the virtualized network functions and the physical infrastructure. This intermediary simplifies the management complexity by providing a unified interface for adding, removing, and managing PNF instances within network service instances, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved adaptability and increased device complexity
2Reliability
If proprietary physical network devices are used to provide specific network functions, then reliability and manufacturing precision are improved, but adaptability deteriorates because these devices cannot easily incorporate new or adjusted physical components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic management of PNF connectivity by enabling the addition and removal of PNF instances within network service instances through standardized interfaces. This dynamic approach allows proprietary devices to be integrated or replaced as needed without redesigning the entire system, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability of proprietary devices and adaptability to new components
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of managing PNF connectivity are provided. A Network Manager (NM) determines to add to or remove external connectivity from a PNF and transmits a network service (NS) update request to a NFVO that contains an identifier of the NS instance to be updated, an indication of a type of update operation requested, and information of the PNF connectivity to be changed. An NS update response contains a lifecycle operation occurrence identifier identifying an NS lifecycle operation occurrence. Separate NS lifecycle change notification from the NFVO indicate that an NS update to change the connectivity of the PNF has started and a result of the change. The notifications include the lifecycle operation occurrence identifier.