Service Function Bundling for Network Virtualization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for routing service function chains across multiple network devices are complex and prone to errors, requiring reconfiguration of multiple network devices and are costly when modifying virtual network functions (VNFs) for service function chains.

Innovation Solution

Implementing service function bundling using virtual machines (VMs) that comprise a plurality of VNFs, where routing instructions are provided by both a host hypervisor and a VM hypervisor to simplify packet flow routing and reconfiguration within a service function bundle, allowing local reconfiguration without disturbing the rest of the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If service function chains are routed across multiple network devices, then service functionality is achieved, but system complexity and reconfiguration difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice function chaining capabilityVSAvoidrouting configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple virtual network functions (VNFs) into a single service function bundle that can be deployed on a single network device. This merging approach maintains service function chaining capability while reducing the number of network devices and routing configurations required, thereby reducing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates universal service function bundles that can be deployed on any network device with sufficient resources. These bundles provide multi-functional service chaining capabilities through a standardized interface, reducing the need for device-specific configurations and simplifying deployment across different network architectures

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If service function chains are routed across multiple network devices, then service functionality is achieved, but reconfiguration cost and time increase when modifying VNFs

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVNF modification capabilityVSAvoidreconfiguration ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments service functions into modular service function bundles that can be independently deployed, modified, and managed. When VNF modifications are needed, only the specific bundle containing the affected VNF needs to be reconfigured rather than reconfiguring entire service chains across multiple devices, significantly reducing reconfiguration time and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures service function bundles with all necessary routing instructions and forwarding rules internally. This preliminary configuration within the bundle eliminates the need for complex inter-device routing updates when modifying VNFs, as changes are contained within the bundle itself and automatically propagated

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If service function chains use multiple network devices, then service functionality is achieved, but packet forwarding latency increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice function chaining capabilityVSAvoidpacket forwarding latency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple VNFs into a single service function bundle deployed on one network device, eliminating packet forwarding delays associated with inter-device transmission. The bundle internally routes packets between VNFs through high-speed internal interfaces, significantly reducing latency compared to physical network device hops

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The service function bundle acts as an intermediary that consolidates multiple VNF processing steps into a single logical unit. This intermediary approach allows packets to be processed through multiple VNFs without leaving the hosting device, eliminating the need for intermediate network device forwarding and reducing overall latency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9729441B2Service function bundling for service function chains

Publication Date: 2017.08.08 FUTUREWEI TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A packet forwarding method that includes receiving a packet from a traffic classifier at a host that comprises a virtual machine (VM), and a first hypervisor for the host that provides a first set of routing instructions that provides routing instruction to forward the packet to a port of the VM, and wherein the VM comprises a plurality of virtual network functions (VNFs), and a second hypervisor for the VM that provides a second set of routing instructions that provides routing instructions to forward the packet to the plurality of VNFs based on an input, processing, by the host, the packet using the plurality of VNFs in accordance with the first set of routing instructions and the second set of routing instructions, and forwarding, by the host, the processed packet to a network device.