VIM Orchestration for VNF Redundancy Switchover
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Solution Overview
Problem
In network function virtualization (NFV) systems, the synchronization of data between active and standby virtual network functions (VNFs) during switchover can be time-consuming, leading to concerns about incomplete synchronization and potential errors if the standby VNF starts before synchronization is complete.
Innovation Solution
A virtual network system with a redundant configuration that includes a first VNF as active and a second VNF as standby, where the virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) instructs the network functions virtualization infrastructure (NFVI) to cancel the virtual resource provision to the active VNF and reassign it to the standby VNF, ensuring seamless data transfer and synchronization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data synchronization between active and standby VNFs is performed during switchover, then reliability of the redundant configuration is improved, but loss of time increases due to the time required for synchronization to complete
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing data synchronization between active and standby VNFs before the switchover event occurs. The system continuously synchronizes data in the background so that when switchover is needed, the standby VNF already has current data, eliminating the need for time-consuming synchronization during the critical switchover moment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary mechanism (the VIM - Virtualized Infrastructure Manager) to coordinate the synchronization and switchover processes. The VIM manages the data flow between active and standby VNFs, ensuring that synchronization completes before initiating switchover, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliability and minimizing time loss.
2Productivity
If standby VNF starts before synchronization is complete, then productivity of switchover process is improved, but reliability decreases due to potential errors from incomplete synchronization
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by having the VIM monitor the synchronization status between active and standby VNFs. The system only permits switchover when feedback confirms that data synchronization is complete, preventing premature switchover that would compromise data integrity while maintaining efficient operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary synchronization of data before the switchover is initiated. This ensures that the standby VNF has all necessary current data before taking over, eliminating the risk of incomplete synchronization errors while maintaining rapid switchover capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual network system includes a first virtualized network function (VNF), a second VNF, a network functions virtualization infrastructure (NFVI), and a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM). The VNF performs a network function. The second VNF provides a backup of the first VNF, and provides redundant configuration with the first VNF. The NFVI provides a virtual resource that is a virtualization of a physical resource. The VIM instructs the NFVI to provide the virtual resource as a resource for performing the first VNF and the second VNF, and instructs the NFVI to cancel provision of the virtual resource to the first VNF and to provide the virtual resource as a resource for performing the second VNF when the second VNF is performed and the first VNF is made a backup of the second VNF.