Service Control Proxy for Cloud Service Chain Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
In existing NFV architectures, a service chain cannot be allocated to a service in a mobile network, preventing service data from being routed due to the lack of permanent configuration of virtual switches and controllers for VNF network elements.
Innovation Solution
A service control proxy apparatus is introduced to interact with a service chain decision device and a virtual controller, obtaining information about a path instance and using it to retrieve an identifier of a physical service chain from a virtual controller, which is then sent to the service chain decision device to facilitate routing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If virtualization technology is used to deploy network services on general-purpose hardware, then deployment costs are reduced and resource sharing is improved, but service chain allocation fails because virtual switches and controllers are not permanently configured for VNF network elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a service chain identifier as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between virtualized network functions and physical service chains. This identifier is embedded in data packets and used by network elements to determine routing paths, enabling service chain allocation without permanent configuration of virtual switches and controllers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-establishing the service chain identifier and its association with the service chain topology before data transmission. The service chain identifier is prepared in advance and injected into data packets, allowing network elements to perform lookups and routing decisions without requiring permanent configuration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If permanent configuration of virtual switches and controllers is avoided to maintain flexibility, then adaptability is improved, but service data routing fails due to lack of routing information
Solution Approach 1:
The service chain identifier acts as a mediator that carries routing information through the network without requiring permanent configuration. Network elements use this identifier to perform dynamic lookups and determine forwarding paths, maintaining flexibility while enabling routing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of permanent configuration in virtual switches and controllers with a software-based solution using service chain identifiers. This substitution maintains flexibility while enabling routing through dynamic identifier-based lookups and forwarding decisions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a method for obtaining information about a service chain in a cloud computing system and an apparatus. In the method, a service control proxy apparatus may interact with a service chain decision network element to receive a path forwarding identifier that is of a path used to transmit data of a service in a mobile network and that is sent by the service chain decision device; interact with an NFVO to obtain an address of a virtual controller; then interact with the virtual controller to obtain information about a physical service chain from the virtual controller; and send the information about the physical service chain to the service chain decision device. In this way, the service data can be routed according to the information about the service chain of the service data.