VNF Image Distribution Orchestrator for 5G Edge Latency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for distributing virtual network function images in telco networks are inefficient, leading to delays and slow network performance due to images not being stored close to where they are needed, especially in dynamic 5G environments where rapid instantiation of VNFs is required.
Innovation Solution
An orchestrator system that intelligently determines the placement of VNF images based on network design, instantiation patterns, and VNF requirements, using metadata to select storage locations close to Virtual Infrastructure Managers (VIMs), allowing for efficient deployment and updates, and tracking usage to optimize storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If VNF images are stored centrally in a remote content library, then storage space is efficiently utilized, but image retrieval time increases causing delays in VNF instantiation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by predicting future VNF instantiation needs based on historical patterns and pre-positioning VNF images in content libraries at edge locations before they are actually needed. This proactive approach eliminates retrieval delays during critical instantiation events while maintaining centralized control over the distribution mechanism.
2Productivity
If all VNF images are cached at all VIM locations, then instantation speed is maximized, but storage space is wasted on unused images
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by customizing the content library at each edge location based on specific VNF usage patterns of that region. Instead of uniform caching strategies, each content library is tailored to store only the VNF images relevant to local instantiation needs, optimizing both retrieval speed and storage efficiency through location-specific adaptation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes parameters such as cache size, image retention period, and pre-positioning thresholds based on observed VNF instantiation patterns. These parameter adjustments allow the system to adapt to changing demands, maintaining high instantiation speeds while optimizing storage utilization as usage patterns evolve over time.
3Loss of time
If VNF images are pre-positioned at edge content libraries, then instantiation latency is reduced, but network bandwidth is consumed during image distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies partial action by selectively pre-positioning only the most frequently instantiated VNF images at edge content libraries rather than distributing all images to all locations. This targeted approach reduces unnecessary bandwidth consumption while still achieving the primary goal of minimizing instantiation latency for critical VNFs.
4Ease of operation
If manual image distribution is used, then system complexity is minimized, but image placement efficiency deteriorates leading to repeated on-demand fetching
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service by enabling content libraries to automatically monitor local VNF instantiation requests and autonomously request and cache required VNF images from central repositories. This self-managing approach eliminates the need for complex manual distribution scheduling while ensuring images are available when needed, improving both operational simplicity and image availability.
Data Source
AI summary
An orchestrator process can efficiently distribute images of virtual network functions (“VNFs”) in a telco network. The images can be accompanied by metadata that describes VNF requirements, such as computing requirements and functional characteristics. Based on the image metadata and location of a virtual infrastructure manager (“VIM”), the orchestrator can select a storage location and deploy the image to the storage location. The VIM can instantiate a corresponding VNF by retrieving the image. The orchestrator can track the storage location and cause the VIM to delete the image if the image is not used for a threshold period of time.