Shared Control Component for NFV Virtual Network Functions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current techniques for reducing common work of components in Network Function Virtualization (NFV)-based networks are limited, leading to inefficiencies in optimizing network capacity and performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that identifies and configures virtual network functions (VNFs) to utilize a control component, which can be enabled or disabled, to perform specific functions, allowing for cooperation between shared control components and optimizing their operation by enabling or disabling functionality based on need.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple VNFs are deployed in NFV-based networks, then network functionality and service capability are improved, but redundant common work among VNFs increases leading to resource inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges common control plane functionalities across multiple VNFs into a shared control component. Specifically, control plane functions such as session management, signaling processing, and policy enforcement that are common across multiple VNF instances are consolidated into a single shared control component that can serve multiple VNFs, thereby eliminating redundant processing while maintaining full service capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared control component is designed with universal functionality to perform multiple control plane tasks for different VNFs. A single control component can simultaneously manage sessions for multiple VNFs, process signaling for various network services, and enforce policies across different virtual network functions, making the control plane resources universally applicable rather than dedicated to single VNFs.
2Productivity
If control components are shared among multiple VNFs, then resource utilization is improved, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VNF architecture into distinct functional layers: a shared control plane layer with common control components, and a dedicated user plane layer with individual VNF instances. This segmentation allows control functions to be shared while maintaining clear boundaries and independent operation of individual VNFs, reducing the complexity of coordination by establishing a hierarchical structure where the control layer manages multiple user plane elements without requiring complex peer-to-peer coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The shared control component acts as an intermediary between the network infrastructure and multiple VNF instances. It provides a standardized interface layer that abstracts the complexity of controlling multiple VNFs, managing sessions, and coordinating resources. This intermediary approach simplifies the system by centralizing control logic and providing uniform access points, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the presence of multiple shared components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for reducing common work of components in a Network Function Virtualization based (NFV-based) communication network. In use, at least one virtual network function (VNF) capable of being used in a chain of virtual network functions in a network function virtualization based network is identified. Additionally, the at least one virtual network function is configured to utilize a control component, the control component being capable of being enabled or disabled and being operable to perform one or more functions associated with the at least one virtual network function.