Service Function Chain Virtual Function Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for implementing virtualized service function chains face challenges such as erratic behavior, significant traffic bypassing, and excessive packet processing when adding new virtual functions, leading to service downtime and disruption.

Innovation Solution

A method involving a processing module that determines the position for a new virtualized service function in a service function chain, allocates internal addresses, and uses proxy ARP with suitably-configured software-implemented switches to minimize reconfiguration and connectivity breaks, ensuring seamless integration without packet mangling.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional methods are used to add new virtualized service functions to a service function chain, then the network functions can be integrated, but it causes erratic behavior, significant traffic bypassing, and excessive packet processing leading to service downtime

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to add new virtualized service functionsVSAvoidservice continuity and network stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the new virtualized service function with its position in the chain and allocating internal addresses before actual integration. The processing module determines the position and allocates addresses in advance, allowing the service function to be inserted without disrupting ongoing traffic flows or requiring reconfiguration of existing functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediary mechanisms including a processing module that manages the integration process and proxy ARP entries that mediate address resolution. The processing module coordinates between existing service functions and the new one, while proxy ARP entries act as intermediaries to ensure proper address mapping and traffic routing without direct conflicts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If new virtualized service functions are added to the service function chain, then network functionality is enhanced, but it causes significant traffic bypassing and packet processing overhead

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenetwork function expansionVSAvoidtraffic processing efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The new virtualized service function is configured to be self-sufficient with its own internal addresses and positioning information. It does not require modification of existing service functions or manual reconfiguration of traffic paths. The function integrates autonomously into the chain at its determined position, maintaining efficient traffic processing without requiring extensive packet processing overhead.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing service functions are reconfigured to accommodate new virtualized functions, then the service chain can be updated, but it causes service downtime and disruption

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice chain updatesVSAvoidservice downtime

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The service function chain is segmented into independent functional units, each with its own internal addresses and positioning. The new virtualized service function is inserted as a separate segment at its determined position, without requiring reconfiguration of existing segments. This segmentation allows independent integration while maintaining continuous operation of other functions in the chain.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If proxy ARP is used with suitably-configured switches, then reconfiguration is minimized, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegration simplicityVSAvoidsystem configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The processing module performs multiple functions including determining service function position, allocating internal addresses, and managing proxy ARP entries. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate complex components into a single integrated module, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11558246B2Implementing service function chains

Publication Date: 2023.01.17 BRITISH TELECOM PLC

AI summary

Methods and apparatus are disclosed for configuring one or more processors to implement service function chains comprising one or more virtualised service functions. A method according to one aspect, performed by a processing module (330) implemented on one or more processors (30), involves steps being performed in respect of at least one new virtualised service function (33) to be included in a service function chain of: determining a position in the service function chain at which the new virtualised service function (33) is to be included; allocating at least one internal address to the new virtualised service function, the at least one internal address being an address to be usable by a switching processor (34); and providing to the switching processor (34) an indication of the at least one internal address allocated to the new virtualised service function (33).