Virtual Network Function Defragmentation for NFV Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network function virtualization (NFV) implementations often result in suboptimal resource usage due to inefficient allocation of virtual network resources, leading to performance gaps over time, especially with the transition to generic hardware infrastructure and software-based network functions.

Innovation Solution

A method and system for improving network performance by identifying and reallocating virtual network function (VNF) functionality across virtual resources based on allocation parameters such as physical distances, reliability, and processing delays, using defragmentation techniques and dedicated resource pools to optimize resource utilization across multiple layers of the network.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If VNF functionality is deployed across distributed virtual resources to enable flexibility and scalability, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates due to fragmentation and suboptimal usage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility and scalabilityVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic resource allocation by continuously monitoring allocation parameters and automatically reallocating VNF functionality across virtual resources. The system adjusts resource distribution in real-time based on changing network conditions, demand patterns, and performance metrics, transforming static deployment into an adaptive, self-optimizing process that maintains both flexibility and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism that monitors allocation parameters (such as resource utilization, performance metrics, and demand signals) and uses this information to guide reallocation decisions. The system continuously evaluates the effectiveness of current allocations and adjusts resource distribution accordingly, creating a closed-loop control system that prevents fragmentation while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Speed

If rapid deployment of VNF functionality is prioritized to meet multi-sourced demand, then speed of delivery is improved, but resource optimization deteriorates due to non-optimal allocation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespeed of deliveryVSAvoidresource optimization

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-establishing allocation parameters and reallocation criteria before deployment challenges arise. The system pre-configures resource pools, defines allocation policies, and prepares reallocation mechanisms in advance, enabling rapid response to demand changes without compromising optimization. This preparatory work allows the system to maintain both speed and efficiency during actual deployment scenarios.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If generic hardware infrastructure is used to reduce costs and improve scalability, then ease of manufacture and adaptability are improved, but resource allocation precision deteriorates leading to performance gaps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost reduction and scalabilityVSAvoidresource allocation precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent addresses precision issues by dynamically adjusting allocation parameters specific to each virtual resource and VNF instance. Rather than relying on hardware-specific optimizations, the system uses software-defined parameter adjustment to achieve precise resource allocation on generic hardware. This approach maintains the cost and scalability benefits of standardized infrastructure while eliminating performance gaps through intelligent, parameter-based allocation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10749944B2Systems and methods to improve the performance of a network by more efficient virtual network resource allocation

Publication Date: 2020.08.18 SHOPIFY INC

AI summary

A system and method for defragmentation of a VNF deployment in a virtual resource pool including implementing a VNF demand in an available VNF capacity, incorporating the implementation of the VNF demand in the deployed VNF capacity, obtaining improvement parameter data from the deployed VNF capacity, providing the improvement parameter data to a deployment improvement application; and redeploying the implementation of the VNF demand into the groomed VNF capacity, wherein the groomed VNF capacity comprises VNF capacity that improves network resource allocation.