Virtual Resource Testers for NFV Infrastructure Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network operators face challenges in testing and troubleshooting virtualized network functions (VNFs) and related infrastructure due to the complexity of network function virtualization (NFV) environments, where issues can be exacerbated by underlying NFV infrastructure and management entities, and existing test tools lack effective testing features.
Innovation Solution
A test system that configures virtual resource testers (VRTs) and VNF testers to simulate workload conditions within the same environment as VNFs, allowing for the testing of NFV infrastructure and monitoring of performance to identify issues related to VNF isolation, management, and resource usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If NFV infrastructure is used to reduce hardware requirements and improve scalability, then cost efficiency and scalability are improved, but testing and troubleshooting become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces specialized test tools and testing frameworks that act as intermediaries between the tester and the virtualized environment. These tools include VNF testers, virtual resource testers, and test orchestrators that can interact with virtual resources, VNFs, and NFV infrastructure components to enable effective testing and measurement in the virtualized network environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates virtual copies and test instances of network functions and resources. Test tools generate synthetic traffic and test scenarios that replicate real-world conditions without requiring physical duplication of hardware. Virtual test environments and emulated workloads allow testing to be performed on copies rather than the production system itself.
2Reliability
If test tools are added to enable comprehensive testing of NFV infrastructure, then testing capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs test tools and frameworks that perform multiple testing functions across different layers of the NFV architecture. A single test orchestrator can manage test cases for virtual resources, VNFs, and infrastructure components. Test tools are designed to be multi-functional, handling traffic generation, performance measurement, fault injection, and result analysis in unified platforms rather than requiring separate specialized tools for each function.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If VNF testers are deployed in the same environment as VNFs to perform impact testing, then fault isolation capability is improved, but resource contention increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes baseline performance metrics and normal behavior patterns before conducting impact tests. Test tools perform preliminary measurements of VNF performance under normal conditions, then compare test results against these baselines to identify anomalies. This preliminary characterization allows the system to distinguish between expected performance variations and actual faults or issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous monitoring and feedback mechanisms during testing. Test tools measure the impact of VNF testers on production VNFs in real-time and use this feedback to adjust test parameters, throttle test intensity, or alert operators when performance degradation exceeds acceptable thresholds. This feedback loop allows impact testing to proceed while maintaining system stability.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one method, the method occurs at a test system. The method includes receiving test configuration information for testing a NFV infrastructure; configuring, using the test configuration information, at least one virtual resource tester (VRT) for testing one or more virtual resources of the NFV infrastructure; configuring at least one VNF tester for testing at least one VNF associated with the NFV infrastructure, wherein the at least one VNF tester is deployed in a same environment as the at least one VNF and wherein the at least one VNF tester is instructed to perform behaviors that attempt to impact performance of the at least one VNF; testing the NFV infrastructure using the at least one VRT and the at least one VNF tester; and monitoring performance of the NFV infrastructure during testing using information obtained from at least one test related entity.