Service Access Point Linking for Cross-Data Center VNFs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods fail to establish effective connections between virtual network functions (VNFs) across data centers in network function virtualization (NFV) systems, particularly between VNFs and data center gateways, hindering efficient network service deployment and management.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for establishing network connections by using NS instantiation request information to identify service access points and virtual links, enabling communication between VNFs and connectivity service endpoints via a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM), allowing for cross-data center network connectivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NFV is applied to enable software and hardware decoupling and use general-purpose devices, then deployment flexibility and scalability are improved, but network connection establishment between VNFs across data centers becomes complex and lacks standardized methods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a connectivity service endpoint as an intermediary component that mediates connections between VNFs in different data centers. This endpoint provides standardized interface definitions and connection management, simplifying the complex cross-data center networking by abstracting the underlying complexity behind a uniform interface paradigm.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal service access point interface that can be used across different data centers and for different VNF types. This standardized interface definition allows the same connection establishment methodology to be applied universally, regardless of specific data center configuration or VNF type, reducing complexity through standardization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple hardware devices are deployed for new network services, then network service functionality is improved, but determining spatial locations and power supply lines becomes increasingly difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses virtualization to create virtual copies of network functions that run on general-purpose hardware instead of requiring physical deployment of dedicated hardware devices. The service access point and connectivity endpoints are implemented as virtualized components, allowing network services to be deployed through software instantiation rather than physical hardware installation, thereby simplifying spatial location and power supply management.
3Productivity
If standardized connection methods are established between VNFs and data center gateways, then network service deployment efficiency is improved, but system flexibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic connection establishment process where the standardized service access point interface adapts to different connection scenarios. The interface definitions and connection methods can be dynamically configured based on specific deployment requirements, allowing the system to maintain standardization benefits while adapting to diverse flexibility needs through parameterizable interface configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for establishing a network connection includes receiving first request information from a network function virtualization orchestrator, and establishing a first service access point based on the first request information. The first request information is useable for requesting to establish the first service access point. The first service access point is configured to connect to a connectivity service endpoint via a first network, and is configured to connect to a first virtual link corresponding to an identifier of at least one virtual link descriptor. The identifier of the at least one virtual link descriptor is useable to identify the virtual link descriptor. The virtual link descriptor is useable to indicate a requirement for creating a second virtual link connected to the first service access point. The connectivity service endpoint is configured to connect a data center and a universal transmission network that are managed by a virtualized infrastructure manager.