Single Chassis Network Function Virtualization via Backplane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current telecommunications server systems require multiple chassis to manage various network functions, leading to inefficient server utilization and increased costs due to the need for additional switching hardware to couple platform chassis with processors.
Innovation Solution
A single chassis design that includes a chassis management blade, multiple platform blades performing different network functions, and processor blades, connected via a backplane, which dynamically allocates processing requests without the use of Layer 2 switches, allowing for efficient communication and resource allocation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chassis are used to manage various network functions, then network function separation is achieved, but server utilization efficiency deteriorates and costs increase due to additional switching hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple network function chassis into a single integrated chassis that can host multiple platform blades simultaneously. The backplane architecture enables direct coupling between platform blades and processor blades, eliminating the need for external Layer 2 switches. This merging approach maintains network function separation while improving server utilization efficiency by consolidating hardware resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal chassis platform that can accommodate multiple types of platform blades (DNS, SAN, Voice Mail, Media Optimization, PCRF, AAA, DRA, DEG, HSS, NSE, OAP, SDHLR/SDM, SPS) and processor blades. This multi-functional platform allows a single chassis to perform the functions previously requiring multiple separate chassis, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chassis are used to manage various network functions, then network function independence is maintained, but device complexity increases due to additional switching hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the switching functionality into the backplane architecture of a single chassis, eliminating the need for external Layer 2 switches. The backplane provides direct communication pathways between platform blades and processor blades, reducing device complexity while maintaining network function independence through virtualization and software-based routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the switching hardware (Layer 2 switches) from the system architecture and replaces it with an integrated backplane solution. This extraction simplifies the overall device complexity by removing unnecessary external components while maintaining the ability to manage multiple network functions independently through software control.
3Ease of operation
If Layer 2 switches are used to couple platform chassis with processors, then communication between components is achieved, but performance deteriorates due to additional switching overhead
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes Layer 2 switches from the communication path between platform blades and processor blades. The backplane provides direct electrical or optical connections, eliminating switching overhead and protocol processing delays. This extraction of the switching layer improves processing speed while maintaining ease of operation through the backplane's inherent routing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The backplane serves as an intermediary structure that provides direct communication pathways between platform blades and processor blades without requiring external Layer 2 switches. This intermediary backplane architecture enables faster data transfer by reducing the number of hops and protocol processing steps in the communication path.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer chassis for a telecommunications system, the chassis comprising a first chassis management blade comprising a chassis management application, a plurality of first platform blades, each of the platform blades running a function, the first platform blade functions including at least two of DNS, PCRF, AAA, SAN, DRA, DEG, HSS, NSE, OAP, SDHLR/SMD, SPS functions a plurality of process cards, each process card having a plurality of processors, and wherein the first chassis management application assigns processing requests received from the platform blade functions to one or more of the processors.