Segmented Virtual Network Management Domains for Bandwidth Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network management systems lack the capability to provide robust and flexible management control over virtual network services, leading to inefficiencies in bandwidth allocation and operational control, particularly for virtual network operators (VNOs), who rely heavily on host network operators for infrastructure and support.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for configuring network management domains within a host communications network to provide VNOs with efficient segregation from primary system operations, allowing selective allocation of resources, operations, and network management tools, including outroute and inroute capacity partitions, operator classifications, and access control frameworks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If network management domains strictly handle configurations within the network, then configuration management is simplified, but bandwidth limitation and allocation control capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network management domain into multiple independent management domains, each associated with a specific virtual network. This allows each management domain to independently handle configuration, bandwidth allocation, and operational control for its respective virtual network, thereby maintaining structural simplicity while gaining granular control over bandwidth resources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces network management domains as intermediary entities between the host network operator and virtual network operators. These management domains serve as mediators that enable selective provisioning of resources, operations, and management tools to VNOs, facilitating both simplified configuration management and enhanced bandwidth control capabilities.
2Quantity of substance
If VNOs rely on host network operators for infrastructure and support, then infrastructure costs are reduced, but operational control and management capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments operational control by creating separate management domains for each virtual network, allowing VNOs to have independent control over their networks while sharing the host operator's physical infrastructure. This segmentation enables VNOs to manage their own operations without requiring significant infrastructure investment from them.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables VNOs to access and control virtual network services through virtualized management domains, effectively copying the functionality of physical infrastructure control into the virtual realm. This allows VNOs to exercise operational control without owning the underlying physical infrastructure.
3Device complexity
If network management domains lack access control frameworks, then system operation is simplified, but ability to support flexible reseller regimes and segregate bandwidth is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements access control frameworks within each management domain, segmenting permissions and capabilities according to the specific needs of different virtual network operators. This allows the system to support flexible reseller regimes with granular access control while maintaining overall system operation through standardized domain structures.
Data Source
AI summary
A network management method comprises configuring network domains (NDs) of a host communications network (HCN). Each ND provides a virtual network (VN) provisioned within the HCN for an enterprise customer, which forms a virtual communications subnetwork from which the enterprise customer provisions communications services. The HCN provides bandwidth over outroute and inroute channels of the HCN for the VNs. Outroute partitions are configured via outroute channels of the HCN and inroute partitions are configured via inroute channel groups configured within inroute channels of the HCN. Each outroute partition supports outroute bandwidth and each inroute partition supports inroute bandwidth. The outroute capacity partitions and the inroute capacity partitions are allocated to VNs to provide outroute and inroute capacity to the VN. Operator classifications are configured within the ND associated with the VC. Each classification specifies network operator capabilities allocated to VN operators assigned to that classification.