Service Function Group Assignment for Network Congestion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Complex networking architectures face challenges in managing network resources efficiently, particularly in routing subscriber traffic across multiple services, leading to potential performance issues and congestion due to increased data traffic and subscriber growth.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for facilitating the assignment of service functions in a network environment by selecting and assigning service function groups based on loading information and service policies, using a service function chain architecture that includes service function groups, service function paths, and load balancing metrics to optimize resource utilization and traffic management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple services are provided to multiple subscribers, then service coverage and functionality are improved, but network equipment becomes overwhelmed and congestion occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice coverageVSAvoidnetwork performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the network service functions into multiple Virtual Service Functions (VSFs) that can be independently managed and distributed across different physical hosts. This segmentation allows the network to handle multiple subscriber services simultaneously without overwhelming single network equipment, as each VSF can process a portion of the total service load independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a virtualization dimension to the network architecture, creating a virtual service function layer that sits between the physical network infrastructure and the subscriber services. This dimensional transformation allows multiple service instances to run concurrently on shared physical resources, improving service coverage while maintaining network reliability through resource isolation and load distribution.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Productivity

If service functions are distributed across multiple hosts, then resource utilization and availability are improved, but service function chain management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidservice chain management

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the Service Chain Manager continuously monitors the status, load, and performance of Virtual Service Functions across multiple hosts. Based on this feedback, the system dynamically adjusts service function assignments, migrates VSFs between hosts, and reconfigures service chains to optimize resource utilization while maintaining manageable complexity through automated decision-making.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The Service Chain Manager acts as an intermediary between the distributed Virtual Service Functions and the network traffic flow. It maintains service chain configuration information, makes routing decisions, and coordinates VSF assignments across hosts, thereby abstracting the complexity of distributed service chain management from the underlying infrastructure and simplifying overall system management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If service chains are dynamically reconfigured, then flexibility and adaptability are improved, but system stability and reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice chain flexibilityVSAvoidsystem stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing service chain templates and policies that define valid service function sequences and relationships. Before dynamic reconfiguration occurs, the system validates proposed changes against these pre-defined templates and policies, ensuring that reconfigurations maintain system stability and reliability while still allowing necessary flexibility for adaptation to changing conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements beforehand cushioning by maintaining redundant service function instances and pre-configured backup service chains. When dynamic reconfiguration is needed, the system can switch to pre-prepared alternative configurations, cushioning against potential stability issues and ensuring continuous service availability even during transitions or failures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentUS9825769B2System and method to facilitate the assignment of service functions for service chains in a network environment

Publication Date: 2017.11.21 CISCO TECHNOLOGY INC

AI summary

A method is provided in one example embodiment and may include receiving a first Internet protocol (IP) flow for an IP session for a subscriber; selecting a first service function group from a plurality of service function groups to perform one or more services for the IP session for the subscriber, wherein each of the plurality of service function groups comprises a plurality of service function chain types and wherein each service function chain type comprises an ordered combination of one or more service functions; assigning the IP session for the subscriber to the first service function group; and forwarding the first IP flow for the IP session of the subscriber across a first service function chain type for the first service function group based, at least in part, on a service policy for the subscriber.