Network Control Device for VNF Deployment and Path Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current network function virtualization technologies inadequately consider network performance metrics such as end-to-end bandwidth, delay, and reliability when deploying virtual network functions, leading to suboptimal deployment and resource allocation in service chaining scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A network control apparatus and method that stores information about network links and nodes, as well as computing resources of servers, to collectively determine the deployment of virtual network functions and configure network paths based on these factors, ensuring optimal virtual network function deployment and network performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If virtual network functions are deployed without considering network performance metrics, then deployment flexibility and resource allocation are improved, but network performance (end-to-end bandwidth, delay, reliability) deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment flexibilityVSAvoidnetwork performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameters considered in VNF deployment from only computing resources to include both computing resources and network performance metrics (bandwidth, delay, reliability). The control device evaluates multiple parameters simultaneously to determine optimal deployment targets and service chain paths, resolving the contradiction by transforming the deployment decision-making process to consider both flexibility and performance requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If only virtual machine deployment is considered in service chaining, then deployment simplicity is improved, but resource allocation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment simplicityVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the virtual machine deployment decision with the service chain path determination process. Instead of treating them as separate operations, the control device simultaneously determines both the deployment target and the service chain path by evaluating computing resources and network performance together. This combination improves resource allocation efficiency while maintaining operational simplicity through automated joint optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Speed

If VNF deployment is determined without network performance consideration, then deployment speed is improved, but service quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedeployment speedVSAvoidservice quality
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary evaluation of both computing resources and network performance metrics before making deployment decisions. The control device pre-calculates the optimal deployment targets and service chain paths by considering all relevant parameters in advance, enabling fast deployment execution without compromising service quality. This preliminary comprehensive assessment resolves the contradiction by preparing optimized deployment plans that balance speed and quality requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3104560B1Network system, network control method, and control device
Publication Date: 2019.05.29 NEC CORP
  • EP3104560B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3104560B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3104560B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A network system, a network control method and a control apparatus are provided that solve virtual network function deployment on a network. An apparatus (10) for controlling a network including a plurality of nodes and servers stores first information related to links and nodes on the network (20) and second information related to computing resources of servers (SV) on which virtual network functions (VNF) can be deployed and, when at least one virtual network function (VNF) is required, collectively performs deployment of the required virtual network function (VNF) on a server (SV) and configuration of a path (P) on the network connecting to the deployment-target server, based on the first and second information.