Substitute VNF Instantiation for Zero-Downtime Network Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for changing configuration parameters in cellular networks often require cell locking, which disrupts user equipment (UE) service and can only be done during low traffic periods, limiting network optimization and fault resolution to specific maintenance windows, thus reducing network efficiency and increasing downtime.
Innovation Solution
The method involves instantiating a substitute Virtual Network Function (VNF) to allow configuration changes without disrupting service, enabling changes to be made at any time by transferring UE traffic to the substitute VNF, thereby maintaining service continuity and allowing for more flexible timing of configuration updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If configuration changes are made during operational phase, then network optimization and fault resolution can be performed, but service disruption occurs requiring cell locking
Solution Approach 1:
The network function is segmented into multiple VNF instances. When configuration changes are needed, the system creates a substitute VNF instance with the new configuration while the original VNF continues serving UEs. This segmentation allows independent configuration updates without affecting ongoing services, resolving the contradiction between optimization speed and service continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The substitute VNF is instantiated with the desired configuration changes before any service switching occurs. This preliminary action allows the new configuration to be prepared and validated in advance, enabling seamless transition without service disruption. The configuration change is effectively performed beforehand, eliminating the need for maintenance windows.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cell locking is performed to change configuration parameters, then configuration changes can be made, but UE service is disrupted and changes can only occur during low traffic periods
Solution Approach 1:
The substitute VNF acts as an intermediary that takes over service provision during configuration changes. Instead of directly modifying the active VNF (which would require cell locking), the system introduces a intermediary VNF instance that handles traffic while the original VNF is updated. This mediator enables configuration changes at any time without service disruption or downtime.
3Reliability
If configuration changes are delayed until maintenance windows, then service disruption is minimized, but network optimization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous service provision through multiple VNF instances. While the original VNF is being updated with new configuration, the substitute VNF continues to serve UEs without interruption. This continuity allows configuration changes to be implemented immediately without waiting for maintenance windows, eliminating the time loss while preserving service availability.
Data Source
AI summary
A configuration controller (60) is provided to make changes to configuration of a communications network (10) having VNFs used in providing services to UEs. If the change could affect a service using a first VNF (30), if made while that VNF is in use, a substitute VNF (32) is instantiated corresponding to that first VNF. The first UE is transferred to use the substitute VNF instead of the first VNF. The proposed change to the configuration is made with respect to either one of these VNFs, while the service to the first UE is maintained using the other one of these VNFs. If needed all VNFs and a service area can be substituted. Thus, such configuration changes no longer need to await a quiet period when few or no UEs are attached, and enable the configuration changes to be made more rapidly, responsive to changing circumstances.