Unified MANO Framework for Virtual Network Function and Application Orchestration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for managing and orchestrating virtual network functions and network applications within a network are inefficient, as they require separate management systems for virtual network functions and network applications, leading to increased infrastructure costs and operational complexity.

Innovation Solution

A unified management and orchestration framework, referred to as MANO+, that integrates virtual network function and network application management, allowing for the creation of service chains that consider both virtual network functions and network applications, using a Virtual Application Function (VAF) entity and VAF Manager, which interacts with the NFV MANO architecture to simplify infrastructure and enhance service chain creation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate management systems are used for virtual network functions and network applications, then each system can be independently managed, but infrastructure costs increase and operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational complexityVSAvoidinfrastructure costs

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate management systems for virtual network functions (VNFs) and network applications into a unified MANO framework. The VAF entity and VAF manager integrate with existing NFV MANO components (VNFM, NFVO, VIM) to provide joint management and orchestration, reducing the number of separate infrastructure components needed and simplifying operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The unified MANO framework is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously - managing both VNFs and network applications through the VAF entity. The VAF manager can orchestrate service chains that include both VNFs and applications, providing a universal management platform that eliminates the need for separate specialized systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Quantity of substance

If a unified management framework is implemented, then infrastructure costs and operational complexity are reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinfrastructure costsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The unified MANO framework is segmented into distinct functional components: the VAF entity for application function management, the VAF manager for orchestration, and integration points with existing NFV MANO components (VNFM for VNF management, NFVO for service orchestration, VIM for infrastructure management). This segmentation allows each component to handle specific tasks independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining unified management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The VAF entity acts as an intermediary between network applications and the underlying NFV infrastructure. It provides a standardized interface that mediates between application-level requirements and infrastructure-level implementations, simplifying the integration process and reducing the complexity of direct interactions between multiple systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If joint management of VNFs and applications is implemented, then service chain creation is enhanced, but management complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice chain creationVSAvoidmanagement complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The VAF entity is pre-configured with application function descriptors and management policies before service chain creation. The VAF manager pre-establishes integration interfaces and orchestration rules, allowing service chains to be created more quickly by leveraging these pre-prepared components rather than configuring everything from scratch.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The unified MANO framework implements feedback mechanisms where the VAF manager continuously monitors the state of both VNFs and applications in service chains. This feedback enables automated adjustments and optimizations, enhancing service chain creation and management by providing real-time visibility and control, thereby reducing the perceived management complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS11070442B2Method and network for managing and orchestrating virtual network functions and network applications

Publication Date: 2021.07.20 NEC CORP

AI summary

A method for managing and orchestrating virtual application functions jointly with virtual network functions is done through a single management and orchestration (MANO) framework within a network. The method includes creating, by a system for (virtual) application function and virtual network function management and orchestration, at least one service or service chain that considers or comprises at least one (virtual) network application and/or at least one virtual network function. A virtual application function (VAF) entity is provided as a container for network applications together with a VAF manager (VAFM) for the VAF.