VNF External Connection Point Deployment With Pre-Allocated Resources
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of effective solutions for deploying services in the Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) architecture as external connection points, particularly for load balancers and external names, which limits the flexibility and efficiency of resource allocation in virtualized network functions.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus are provided to create and allocate resources for external connection points, such as load balancers and external names, within a virtualized network function (VNF) using a container infrastructure service management (CISM) system, reducing the need for individual resource determination and simplifying communication processes among NFV components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional dedicated devices are used for network functions, then reliability and performance are ensured, but cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network functions from physical devices by introducing virtualization technology. Network functions are divided into independent virtualized network function (VNF) instances that can be deployed on general-purpose hardware, separating the logical network function from the physical device infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a universal virtualized infrastructure where a single pool of general-purpose hardware resources can host multiple different network functions through VNFs. The resource pool includes computing, storage, and networking resources that can be dynamically allocated to various network functions as needed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If container management platforms are introduced into NFV architecture, then resource allocation flexibility improves, but the lack of service deployment mechanisms for external connection points reduces operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-allocates resources for external connection points during the VNF instantiation process. The CISM receives resource information indicating resources pre-allocated to external connection points and creates these connection points in advance, so they are ready when needed without requiring separate deployment operations later.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service deployment of external connection points through automated resource allocation. The CISM automatically creates external connection points based on pre-allocated resources without requiring manual intervention, and the VNF can self-configure its external connection points using the allocated resources.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of external connection points are supported, then service range and adaptability are extended, but resource management complexity and allocation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal resource pool that can support multiple types of external connection points (load balancers, external names, etc.) through a single unified management interface. The CISM manages diverse resources uniformly, allocating appropriate resources to different connection point types based on their specific requirements without requiring separate management systems for each type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter-based resource specification where resources are defined by configurable parameters that can be adjusted based on the specific type of external connection point needed. The resource information includes parameters that can be modified to suit different connection point types, allowing flexible adaptation without changing the underlying management mechanism.
4Productivity
If resources are pre-allocated to external connection points, then deployment speed and efficiency improve, but resource utilization flexibility may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic resource allocation where pre-allocated resources can be adjusted based on actual usage patterns and changing requirements. The system monitors resource usage and can dynamically reassign or resize resources for external connection points, transforming static pre-allocation into a dynamic process that adapts to changing conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor the performance and resource usage of external connection points. Based on this feedback, the CISM can adjust resource allocation decisions, optimizing the balance between deployment speed and resource utilization efficiency by learning from actual system behavior.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a method for deploying a virtualized network function and an apparatus. A VNFM determines first resource information of a resource pre-allocated to the external connection point of the load balancer and/or the external name, and sends the first resource information to a container infrastructure service management CISM. The CISM may create the external connection point of the load balancer and/or the external name based on a partial of or the entire of the resource indicated by the first resource information. A mechanism of deploying a plurality of types of services in the VNF to serve as external connection points is provided.