VNF Management via Dynamic Charging Information
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional solutions for Virtual Network Function (VNF) management fail to efficiently balance performance and cost, particularly in providing dynamic tariff and resource utilization, as they do not consider accounting/charging information, leading to inadequate resource allocation and revenue generation.
Innovation Solution
A smart charging policy is introduced that uses a charging component to provide network condition-dependent charging information to a VNF manager, enabling dynamic VNF management through lifecycle management based on charge rates, priorities, and resource allocation strategies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional VNF management solutions are used, then infrastructure cost is reduced, but resource allocation efficiency and revenue generation deteriorate due to lack of dynamic tariff management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic VNF management by introducing a charging component that provides real-time charging information to the VNF manager. This enables the system to dynamically adjust VNF lifecycle decisions (instantiation, scaling, termination) based on current network conditions and charging rates, transforming static resource allocation into a dynamic, condition-responsive system that optimizes both cost and efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the charging component continuously monitors network conditions and provides charging information back to the VNF manager. This feedback mechanism enables the system to adapt VNF management decisions based on real-time charging rates and network state, improving resource allocation efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness
2Device complexity
If conventional VNF management solutions are used, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability to different network conditions and dynamic tariff management deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VNF management system into two functional components: a charging component responsible for generating charging information based on network conditions, and a VNF manager responsible for making lifecycle decisions. This segmentation allows the system to gain adaptability to dynamic network conditions while keeping each component's complexity manageable and well-defined
Solution Approach 2:
The charging component acts as an intermediary between the network infrastructure and the VNF manager. It translates complex network conditions into simplified charging information that the VNF manager can use for decision-making, thereby enhancing system adaptability without proportionally increasing overall complexity
3Productivity
If charging information is integrated into VNF management, then revenue generation and resource allocation efficiency improve, but device complexity and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The charging component serves multiple functions: it monitors network conditions, generates charging information, and provides this information to the VNF manager for decision-making. This multi-functionality allows the system to improve revenue generation and resource allocation efficiency through a single integrated component rather than adding multiple separate systems, thereby limiting the increase in overall complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods, apparatuses and computer readable mediums for Virtual Network Function (VNF) management. In example embodiments, there is provided a method of managing a VNF. The method includes sending, from a VNF manager to a charging component, at least one request for charging information associated with at least one VNF. The VNF manager manages the at least one VNF. The charging information indicates respective rates for charging the at least one VNF under different network conditions. The method further includes, in response to receiving the charging information, managing lifecycle of the at least one VNF at least in part based on the charging information.