Proxy Server for NFV Resource Allocation Consistency

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Solution Overview

Problem

In Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), bypassing the NFV Orchestrator (NFVO) in resource allocation can lead to inconsistencies and inefficiencies, resulting in lost resources and compromised system effectiveness due to delayed communication and potential failures in resource management.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a proxy server in the communication path between the Virtual Network Function Manager (VNFM) and the Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) to intercept and forward resource requests and responses to the NFVO, ensuring accurate and timely updates to the resource allocation database, thereby maintaining a consistent overview of allocated resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If the NFV Orchestrator (NFVO) is bypassed in resource allocation, then the flexibility and speed of resource allocation is improved, but the consistency of the overall resource management view is compromised, resulting in resource loss

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource allocation speedVSAvoidresource management consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary component positioned between the Virtual Network Function Manager (VNFM) and the Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM). This proxy server intercepts resource allocation requests and responses, ensuring that even when the NFVO is bypassed, the resource management view maintained by the NFVO remains consistent and updated. The proxy acts as a mediator that preserves the reliability of resource management while allowing flexible direct allocation paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the NFV Orchestrator (NFVO) is bypassed in resource allocation, then the operational flexibility is improved, but the accuracy of resource allocation database updates is reduced due to delayed communication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoidresource allocation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy server serves as a mediator that ensures accurate and timely updates to the resource allocation database. It intercepts communication between the VNFM and VIM, guaranteeing that resource allocation information is correctly transmitted and recorded, thereby maintaining measurement precision while allowing operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the proxy server ensures that resource allocation responses from the VIM are properly forwarded to the NFVO. This feedback loop maintains accurate records of allocated and free resources, ensuring the NFVO's resource management view remains up-to-date and precise even when direct allocation paths are used.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If direct resource allocation is allowed without NFVO involvement, then the system efficiency is improved, but resource loss occurs due to compromised resource management view

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem efficiencyVSAvoidresource loss

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The proxy server acts as a protective intermediary that enables direct resource allocation paths to operate efficiently while preventing resource loss. By intercepting and validating allocation requests and responses, the proxy ensures the NFVO maintains an accurate resource management view, thereby preventing resource loss despite the streamlined allocation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The feedback mechanism implemented through the proxy server ensures that resource allocation information is continuously updated in the NFVO's resource management view. This feedback loop prevents resource loss by ensuring the NFVO always has an accurate overview of allocated and free resources, maintaining system integrity while preserving efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10397352B2Network infrastructure management

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 HEWLETT PACKARD ENTERPRISE DEV LP

AI summary

There is described a method for operating a proxy in a network function virtualization (NFV) system. The NFV system comprises a virtualized network function (VNF) manager for managing a VNF, a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) for managing a resource, and a NFV orchestrator. The method comprises: receiving a resource allocation request for the VIM from the VNF manager; sending the resource allocation request to a component of the VIM; receiving a response to the resource allocation request from the component of the VIM; and sending the response to the NFV orchestrator.