Open-Source Virtualized Cloud for Network Function Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network virtualization technologies face challenges in ensuring predictable performance and stability, particularly for communication service providers, which hinders the widespread adoption of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) due to concerns about substituting existing hardware and maintaining stable network operations.
Innovation Solution
The development of an apparatus for testing and developing network computing products based on an open-source virtualized cloud, incorporating a virtual network device that operates within an open-source virtualized cloud environment, allowing for the configuration of virtual networks and the development of new network functions through a framework that supports virtual appliances and user interface, thereby overcoming spatial and temporal limitations of physical environments and facilitating efficient development and testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If network function virtualization is implemented to reduce operational cost and increase flexibility, then cost-saving and operational efficiency are improved, but performance predictability and system stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical network environment through virtualization technology. Virtual network functions (VNFs) are software-based copies that replicate hardware network functions, allowing multiple virtual instances to run on shared physical infrastructure. This copying approach enables cost-saving through resource consolidation while maintaining performance predictability through virtual environment isolation and control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal virtualized network platform that can host multiple different network functions simultaneously. The virtualized infrastructure provides multi-functionality by allowing diverse network services (routing, switching, firewalls, etc.) to run on common hardware, increasing operational efficiency and flexibility while maintaining stability through standardized virtualization layers.
2Device complexity
If virtualization technology is adopted to consolidate hardware resources, then device complexity is reduced, but ensuring stable network operations becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtualization layer as an intermediary between physical hardware and network functions. This intermediate virtualized environment abstracts the complexity of hardware consolidation while providing stable, controlled network operations. The virtualization layer acts as a mediator that manages resource allocation, isolation, and performance guarantee, reducing device complexity without compromising operational stability.
3Ease of manufacture
If open-source virtualized cloud is used to reduce costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but testing and development reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary testing and validation mechanisms within the open-source virtualized cloud environment before deployment. Virtual prototypes and test instances are created in advance to verify network function performance and stability, ensuring testing reliability is maintained despite using cost-reduced open-source infrastructure. The virtual environment allows repeated, reliable testing without additional hardware costs.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for testing and developing products of network computing based on an open-source virtualized cloud includes a physical space, a network function virtualization (NFV) infrastructure domain space that provides a virtualization function in an independent environment of each user; an NFV engine space that provides a processing based environment for virtual appliances which are units of a virtual network device that is individually operable, a framework space that provides support to allow the virtual appliances to be developed and registered, and a virtual network service space that provides a user interface interoperating with the framework space so that a user configures a virtual network through the user interface and a test function of the configured virtual network is supported.