Virtual Network Function Templates for Automated Platform Onboarding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manual setup of virtual network functions (VNFs) in software-defined networks is error-prone and time-consuming, preventing proper creation and onboarding, especially with thousands of VNFs in real network environments, due to the need for manual configuration of resources and networking parameters.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an inference engine and a builder module that automatically generates configuration files and scripts to instantiate and onboard VNFs by extracting parameters from reusable network components, using a unified virtual network function template to standardize the creation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual configuration is used for VNF creation, then flexibility in customization is improved, but time consumption and error rate increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses templates to store pre-defined VNF configurations that can be copied and reused multiple times. When creating a VNF, the system retrieves the appropriate template and populates configuration files automatically, eliminating the need to manually create configurations from scratch each time. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining customization flexibility through template selection while dramatically reducing time consumption through automated copying.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring VNF templates with common settings, parameters, and configurations before they are needed. The template includes pre-defined resource allocations, networking parameters, and software configurations. When a VNF needs to be created, this preliminary preparation allows the system to quickly instantiate the VNF by simply filling in specific parameters, rather than performing all configuration steps manually at deployment time.
2Ease of operation
If manual configuration is used for VNF creation, then control over each parameter is improved, but error rate increases due to human input requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By copying proven, error-free configurations from templates, the system eliminates manual typing errors and ensures consistency across VNF deployments. The template contains validated configurations that have been tested and verified, so copying them ensures the same level of reliability is maintained across multiple deployments while preserving parameter control through template selection and parameter specification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates validation mechanisms that provide feedback when configuring VNFs from templates. The validation logic checks whether the specified parameters are consistent with the template requirements and whether the configuration is valid for the intended deployment scenario. This feedback mechanism catches errors early in the configuration process, preventing erroneous configurations from being deployed while maintaining user control over the parameters.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual setup is used for each VNF, then configuration accuracy can be verified, but scalability is prevented when deploying thousands of VNFs
Solution Approach 1:
The template mechanism allows the system to copy a single, carefully validated configuration definition and apply it consistently across thousands of VNF deployments. The template serves as a master copy that ensures configuration accuracy is maintained through reuse, while the automated instantiation process enables rapid scaling to deploy large numbers of VNFs without repeating the manual configuration verification process for each one.
Solution Approach 2:
The template is designed to be universal and can be used to create multiple VNF instances with different specific parameters while maintaining the same validated configuration structure. This multi-functionality allows the same template to serve thousands of deployment scenarios, ensuring configuration accuracy through proven designs while enabling scalable deployment across the entire VNF fleet.
4Productivity
If automated VNF creation is implemented, then time efficiency and scalability are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The template copying mechanism provides a simple, intuitive interface for automated VNF creation. Users select a template and specify parameters, and the system automatically handles the complex tasks of generating configuration files, allocating resources, and validating settings. This approach maintains simplicity for the user while enabling powerful automated deployment capabilities, resolving the contradiction between productivity improvement and system complexity.
5Stability of the object's composition
If templates are used for VNF creation, then consistency across deployments is improved, but adaptability to unique requirements may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The template system copies the proven, consistent configuration structure while allowing users to specify unique parameters for each deployment. The template ensures that the core configuration elements remain consistent and validated, while the parameter specification step allows adaptation to unique requirements. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining consistency in the configuration framework while enabling flexibility in deployment-specific parameters.
Solution Approach 2:
The template applies uniform configuration standards and structures across all deployments (local quality in terms of configuration framework), while allowing customization of specific parameters to meet local or unique requirements. This ensures that all VNFs follow validated configuration patterns for consistency, while still accommodating deployment-specific needs through parameter customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A network device comprising: a processor, an input/output device coupled to the processor, and a memory coupled with the processor, the memory comprising executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to effectuate operations including instantiating at least one node comprising a packet processor and a network interface, the packet processor configured to process a packet header at a network layer, wherein the at least one node includes a common configuration; extracting virtual network function parameters through an inference engine; generating a virtual network function template based on the virtual network function parameters, wherein the virtual network function template instantiates at least one virtual network function by assembling the at least one virtual network function from the at least one node; and automatically configures the virtual network function for onboarding onto a platform.