Virtualized Network Function Deployment with Flexible VNFD Label Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtualized network function (VNF) deployment and scheduling mechanisms are inflexible and cannot meet the requirements for widespread deployment due to fixed label matching in VNFD templates.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows for flexible VNF deployment and scheduling by using key/value pairs in VNFD templates, where the value of the key/value pairs can indicate non-functionality, enabling more adaptive and widespread deployment by controlling label matching and allowing for changes in deployment requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed label matching mechanism is used in VNFD templates, then the deployment process is simple and standardized, but the flexibility and adaptability for widespread deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the label matching mechanism flexible and adaptable. The VNFD template allows dynamic configuration of label requirements through key/value pairs, where the value can indicate whether a label is required or not. This enables the system to adapt to different deployment scenarios without changing the fundamental template structure, thus improving versatility while maintaining reasonable complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of label requirement specification in the VNFD template. Instead of fixed label matching, the template now includes configurable key/value pairs where the value indicates whether label matching is required. This parameter change allows the same template to be used across different deployment scenarios, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed VNFD template structure is used, then the template publishing is simple, but the adaptability to different deployment requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a VNFD template structure that can serve multiple deployment scenarios. The template includes a set of key/value pairs where each value can indicate different requirements (required or not required). This universal structure allows a single template to adapt to various deployment needs, from strict label matching to more flexible configurations, thus improving adaptability while maintaining publishing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The template structure is made dynamic through the configurable key/value pairs. The value field can be set to indicate different requirements, allowing the template to dynamically adapt to different deployment scenarios. This dynamic capability enables the same template to be published once and used across multiple contexts, balancing adaptability with publishing simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If label matching is enforced for all key/value pairs, then the deployment precision is high, but the ease of operation for flexible deployment is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the label matching enforcement dynamic by allowing the value field in key/value pairs to indicate whether matching is required or not. This dynamic configuration enables operators to easily deploy VNFs with flexible label requirements without sacrificing precision when needed. The system can switch between strict and flexible matching modes based on the configured value, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining precision when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of label matching enforcement through the value field configuration. By setting the value to indicate different requirements, the system can adjust the level of matching precision dynamically. This parameter change allows operators to balance between deployment precision and operational flexibility, making the system easier to use while maintaining precision when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
In a method for deploying a virtualized network function, a communication device obtains a first virtualized network function descriptor (VNFD) template, which is for deploying a deployment unit of a first VNF and comprises a plurality of key/value pairs including a first key/value pair. The communication device obtains a first set of values formed of values of the plurality of key/value pairs, and a value of the first key/value pair indicates that the first key/value pair does not function on deployment of the deployment unit of the first VNF. The communication device then sends a first request message to a container as a service (CaaS) manager based on the first VNFD template and the first set of values, wherein the first request message requests to deploy the deployment unit of the first VNF on a node that meets the first VNFD template and the first set of values.