Virtual Network Controller Automating Multi-Provider Resource Slices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network virtualization systems lack the flexibility to dynamically allocate and manage resources from multiple infrastructure providers, leading to increased burden on network providers and limited scalability, which can result in higher costs and reduced service levels for users.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a virtual network provider system that automates the combination and allocation of resources from multiple infrastructure providers using a Slice Computation and Management Element (SCME), which includes a slice computation engine, management and configuration element, database, and customer interface, enabling dynamic resource allocation and re-optimization without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual resource allocation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity decreases and resource allocation efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The SCME automatically performs resource allocation, combination, and release operations without requiring manual intervention. The system self-manages resource provisioning by dynamically computing resource requirements and executing allocation decisions based on service level agreements and available capacity, thereby improving productivity while managing complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The SCME acts as an intermediary layer between virtual network operators and infrastructure providers. It abstracts the complexity of multi-provider resource management by providing a unified interface for resource requests, automatically translating these into coordinated allocations across multiple infrastructure providers, thus improving allocation efficiency without exposing system complexity to users.
2Adaptability or versatility
If resources from multiple infrastructure providers are dynamically allocated, then adaptability and service flexibility improve, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SCME implements a universal resource management interface that works across multiple infrastructure providers with different capabilities and interfaces. It provides multi-functional capabilities including resource discovery, capacity computation, allocation, monitoring, and release, allowing the system to adapt to various providers while maintaining consistent management procedures, thus improving service flexibility without proportionally increasing management complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments resource management into distinct functional modules within the SCME: resource discovery module, capacity computation module, allocation module, and release module. Each module handles specific aspects of multi-provider resource management independently, allowing complex multi-provider operations to be broken down into manageable tasks, thereby improving adaptability while controlling management complexity through modular design.
3Productivity
If automated resource allocation is implemented, then productivity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The SCME implements automated self-service mechanisms that continuously monitor resource availability and service demands, automatically computing optimal allocations and executing provisioning actions without human intervention. This automation dramatically improves resource provisioning speed while the modular architecture keeps system complexity manageable by organizing automated functions into distinct, reusable components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A virtual network controller is described. The controller receives a request for the provision of a slice of a network to a virtual network operator. The controller determines whether the slice can be provided from existing resources, whether the slice can be provided if the existing resources are re-configured, or whether the slice can only be provided if additional resources are obtained. The controller then automatically takes the action required in order to provide the requested slice. The controller can also be used to release resources that are no longer required. Additionally, the controller can be used to re-optimize the network on request.