Polymorphic Virtualized Network Function Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless network technologies face limitations in resource allocation for virtualized network functions, which can lead to reduced flexibility and reliability, and may cause degradation in network performance when striving for more flexible structures.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of Enhanced Virtual Network Functions (eVNFs) that allow for the allocation of resource sets to multiple virtual network functions, enabling faster startup times and dynamic reconfiguration of services by utilizing a controller entity to manage and orchestrate virtual resources, including the ability to activate or deactivate functions as needed based on network demands.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If virtualized network functions are implemented to reduce hardware limitations, then resource utilization improves, but resource allocation flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where resource sets can be flexibly assigned to different virtual network functions based on operational needs. The system allows runtime reconfiguration of resource assignments, enabling the same physical resources to serve different VNFs dynamically rather than being statically bound, thus resolving the contradiction between utilization efficiency and allocation flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal resource pool that can be allocated to multiple different virtual network functions. The same set of physical resources can serve multiple VNFs sequentially or concurrently through virtualization, making the resource infrastructure multi-functional and adaptable to various service requirements while maintaining high utilization rates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If static resource allocation is used for virtualized network functions, then system simplicity is maintained, but startup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidstartup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent pre-allocates resource sets to virtualized network functions during system initialization or deployment phases, so that when services need to start or scale, the resources are already prepared and assigned. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming resource provisioning at runtime, reducing startup time while keeping the allocation mechanism relatively simple through automated orchestration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10904092B2Polymorphic virtualized network function

Publication Date: 2021.01.26 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

AI summary

There is provided a method comprising: causing, by a network element of a wireless network, an allocation of a first resource set to an entity comprising at least a first virtual network function and a second virtual network function, wherein at least a subset of the first resource set provides the first virtual network function, and wherein another subset of the allocated first resource set or a second resource set allocated to said entity provides resources for said second virtual network function.