vENF Self-Selection for NFVI Load Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network function virtualization infrastructure (NFVI) lacks an effective load distribution mechanism across virtualized edge network functions (vENFs) that does not require protocol suite awareness or additional provisioning points, especially in decomposed border network gateways, leading to operational complexities and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A method where one or more vENFs self-select to service data traffic from residential gateways, using broadcast domains and tagging mechanisms to direct subsequent traffic, allowing for load distribution without protocol suite awareness and minimizing infrastructure provisioning, supporting various tagging modes and protocols like PPPoE and IPoE.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a monolithic border network gateway is used, then protocol handling and session management are simplified, but load distribution and scalability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic border network gateway into multiple virtualized edge network functions (vENFs) that can be independently instantiated and distributed across the network infrastructure. This segmentation enables load distribution while maintaining simplified protocol handling at each virtualized instance through standardized interfaces and broadcast-based service discovery.
2Productivity
If virtualized edge network functions are deployed, then scalability and load distribution are improved, but protocol suite awareness and provisioning complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service mechanisms where vENFs autonomously discover services and establish sessions without requiring complex external provisioning. The broadcast domain approach enables vENFs to automatically receive service requests and self-select appropriate sessions, eliminating the need for manual configuration and reducing provisioning infrastructure complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal broadcast domain interface that works across multiple protocol suites (PPPoE, IPoE, etc.) without requiring protocol-specific provisioning logic. This universal approach allows the same infrastructure to support diverse protocols while maintaining simplified service discovery and session management.
3Ease of operation
If broadcast domains are used for service discovery, then service request distribution is simplified, but traffic direction control becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces the vENF's own address as an intermediary in the traffic direction mechanism. The vENF receives broadcast service requests, processes them, and then directs subsequent unicast traffic to itself using its address. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by eliminating the need for complex external traffic direction mechanisms while maintaining ease of operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system implemented by a computing device to establish a session between a residential gateway and a virtual edge network function (vENF) in a network function virtualization infrastructure (NFVI) over an access network where a plurality of residential gateways are connected to the access network through a plurality of access nodes that tunnel edge network function requests to the NFVI via a NFVI gateway the broadcasts initial service requests to a plurality of VENF in the NFVI. The method defines a process for a vENF to self-select to service an initial service session request from the residential gateway.