Virtual Machine Control Device for Seamless Base Station Software Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Software updates for virtualized base stations often result in service outages due to temporary shutdowns, and existing technologies do not effectively reduce the outage time, especially when updates are performed during periods of low usage.
Innovation Solution
A virtual machine control device that activates a clone of the C-Plane base station virtual machine for software updates and assigns the network to the clone after the update, while also switching the connection destinations of C-Plane and U-Plane base station virtual machines to minimize service disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software update is performed on the base station virtual machine, then the software version is improved, but service outage occurs due to temporary shutdown
Solution Approach 1:
A clone virtual machine is activated in advance before the software update is performed on the original virtual machine. The clone is prepared with the same configuration and network assignments, so that when the original VM undergoes update and shutdown, the clone is already ready to immediately take over without service interruption
Solution Approach 2:
The clone virtual machine acts as an intermediary during the software update process. While the original VM is shut down for updating, the clone VM serves as the active service provider, mediating between the update process and the external network to prevent service outage
2Reliability
If virtual machine is switched when failure occurs, then system availability is improved, but service disconnection occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The clone virtual machine is prepared in advance with identical network assignments and configurations before any failure occurs. This preliminary preparation ensures that when switching is necessary, the clone is already configured and ready to immediately assume the service role without causing disconnection
Solution Approach 2:
A clone (copy) of the original virtual machine is created with the same network assignments and configurations. This copy serves as a standby that can immediately replace the original VM in case of failure, eliminating service disconnection during the switch
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual machine control device that controls a C-Plane base station virtual machine for providing a base station function of a virtual base station. The virtual machine control device includes: a virtual machine controller configured to activate a clone of the C-Plane base station virtual machine that is a target of software update; and a virtual base station switching controller configured to assign a network assigned to the C-Plane base station virtual machine to the clone after performing the software update to the clone.