Virtualized Network Management via Automated Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
The increasing complexity of managing virtualized networks, such as software-defined networks (SDNs), makes human intervention inefficient due to the sheer volume of virtual machines (VMs) and virtualized network functions (VNFs), necessitating automated systems and methods for resource management.
Innovation Solution
A system that analyzes context information to anticipate changes in the state of virtualized networks, making configuration changes to improve operation, using real-time, historical, and meta context information, and employing machine learning and artificial intelligence to monitor key performance indicators and adjust resources like VMs and VNFs dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtualized networks are expanded to include more VMs and VNFs, then network functionality and service capability are improved, but management complexity increases making human intervention inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service through automated configuration management that performs self-diagnosis, self-optimization, and self-adjustment of virtualized network resources. The configuration management apparatus automatically monitors network state, identifies optimization opportunities, and implements configuration changes without human intervention, allowing the network to manage itself as it scales.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where network performance metrics are monitored, analyzed, and used to automatically adjust configuration parameters. The configuration management apparatus receives feedback from network operations, processes this information through analysis modules, and implements corrective or optimizing configuration changes, creating a closed-loop control system that adapts to changing conditions.
2Productivity
If automated configuration management is implemented, then management efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration management system is segmented into distinct functional modules including state analysis modules, configuration generation modules, and implementation modules. Each module performs a specific function in the automated management process, making the overall complex system manageable through modular design where each component can be independently developed, tested, and maintained.
Solution Approach 2:
The configuration management apparatus acts as an intermediary layer between network operators and the complex virtualized network infrastructure. It provides an automated mediation mechanism that translates high-level management objectives into specific configuration actions, shielding operators from the underlying complexity while maintaining control and oversight.
3Productivity
If real-time monitoring and automated adjustments are performed, then operational efficiency is improved, but computational resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic monitoring and analysis cycles rather than continuous real-time processing of all network data. Configuration changes are triggered at scheduled intervals or based on threshold-based events, reducing the computational burden while maintaining effective network management. The periodic action allows the system to balance operational efficiency with resource consumption by processing information at optimized intervals.
Data Source
AI summary
An intelligent agent monitors operation of at least one software virtualized network (VN). Context information associated with the VN is used to analyze a state of the VN. At least one configuration change is caused to the VN in response to analysis of the state of the VN. A change is identified to the state of the VN caused by the configuration change. A determination is made as to whether or not the change to the state of the VN is an improvement to operation of the VN. A response to the determination is made by causing at least one other configuration change to the VN.