Topology-Based Disk Image Deployment in NFV Datacenters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network function virtualization (NFV) systems lack techniques for deploying virtual machine images based on network topology, which hinders efficient optimization of network capacity and performance.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for deploying a disk image in a communication network by identifying the appropriate datacenters based on network topology characteristics, distributing the image to those datacenters, and maintaining a list of datacenters with the image for efficient retrieval and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If virtual machine images are automatically deployed without topology-based selection, then deployment speed is improved, but network efficiency and service availability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-distributing disk images to selected data centers based on network topology characteristics before they are needed. The topology analysis module pre-identifies suitable data centers, and the image distribution module pre-delivers images to these locations, so when a VNF deployment is requested, the image is already available at an optimal location, eliminating deployment delays while ensuring service availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by selecting specific data centers for image distribution based on their topological characteristics relative to the target deployment location. Rather than uniform distribution, the system analyzes network topology to identify data centers with optimal network proximity, bandwidth, and latency characteristics for each specific deployment scenario, thereby optimizing both speed and reliability for local conditions.
2Reliability
If disk images are distributed to all datacenters, then service availability is improved, but network bandwidth consumption and storage overhead worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system distributes disk images selectively to only those data centers that are topologically suitable for the target deployment, rather than distributing to all data centers. The topology analysis identifies a limited set of optimal data centers based on network proximity and performance characteristics, concentrating image distribution resources only where needed, thus maintaining service availability while minimizing network bandwidth consumption and storage overhead.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates copies of disk images only in the specific data centers identified as optimal for the deployment target, rather than creating universal copies in all data centers. This selective copying approach ensures that image copies exist in locations where they will be needed, maintaining availability while avoiding the bandwidth and storage waste of creating unnecessary copies elsewhere in the network.
3Loss of energy
If manual image distribution is used, then network bandwidth consumption is reduced, but deployment time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by automatically performing topology analysis and image distribution without manual intervention. The topology analysis module autonomously evaluates network characteristics, the selection module automatically identifies optimal data centers, and the distribution module autonomously transfers images. This automation eliminates the time loss and operational complexity of manual processes while maintaining efficient bandwidth usage through intelligent topology-based selection.
4Productivity
If topology-based image distribution is implemented, then network efficiency is improved, but system complexity and computational overhead worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the image distribution system into distinct functional modules: a topology analysis module that handles network characteristic evaluation, a selection module that identifies optimal data centers, and a distribution module that performs image transfer. This segmentation isolates the computational overhead of topology analysis to dedicated components, allowing the rest of the system to operate with simple, standardized image distribution protocols, thereby improving network efficiency while managing system complexity through modular architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and computer program product are provided for deploying a disk image in a communication network, based on network topology. In use, a disk image to be distributed in association with a communication network is identified, the communication network including a plurality of datacenters. Additionally, one or more of the plurality of datacenters in which to distribute the disk image are identified, based on one or more network topology characteristics associated with the communication network. Further, the disk image is distributed to the identified one or more of the plurality of datacenters. Still yet, a list indicating all of the plurality of datacenters that contain the disk image is sent to the plurality of datacenters.