VNF Instantiation via Segmented External Connection Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network function virtualization (NFV) systems cannot establish a communication connection between internal and external networks due to the inability of the network functions virtualization orchestrator (NFVO) to connect to both networks simultaneously via a single external connection point, and the need to instantiate an external connection point corresponding to the internal network, which hinders efficient VNF instantiation.
Innovation Solution
The proposed method involves a VNF instantiation process where the NFVO receives VNFD with indication information that the resource requirement of the internal network is externally visible, allowing the NFVO to request the VIM to instantiate an external network and the VNFM to instantiate the VNF, enabling direct communication between the VNF and external network without needing to instantiate the external connection point and corresponding internal network entities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the NFVO uses a single external connection point to connect to both internal and external networks, then the connectivity between networks can be established, but the NFVO cannot simultaneously connect to both networks via the same connection point
Solution Approach 1:
The external connection point is segmented into two distinct connection points: a first external connection point for connecting to the external network and a second external connection point for connecting to the internal network. This segmentation allows the NFVO to simultaneously connect to both networks without operational conflicts, resolving the contradiction between establishing connectivity and maintaining operational capability.
2Reliability
If the external connection point and corresponding internal network entities are instantiated in the VNF, then connectivity can be established, but the instantiation process becomes complex and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The external connection point and corresponding internal network entities are extracted from the VNF instantiation process. Instead of instantiating these components within the VNF, the patent establishes direct connections between the NFVO and the external network, and between the NFVO and the internal network through separate connection points. This extraction simplifies the VNF instantiation process while maintaining the necessary connectivity functionality.
3Reliability
If redundant network entities are instantiated to enable connectivity, then communication between networks can be established, but the instantiation efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the connectivity function with the existing NFVO infrastructure. Instead of creating separate redundant network entities within the VNF, the external connection points and internal network connections are integrated into the NFVO's existing connection architecture. This merging approach enables communication between internal and external networks while avoiding the instantiation of redundant entities, thereby maintaining high instantiation efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
This application provides a VNF instantiation method and apparatus, applied to various NFV systems, to implement an existing VNFD model—defined VNF. The method includes: An NFVO obtains a VNFD, where the VNFD is for instantiating a VNF, the VNFD includes first indication information and resource requirement information of a first internal network, and the first indication information indicates that the resource requirement information of the first internal network is externally visible. Then, the NFVO sends an external network instantiation request to a VIM, where the external network instantiation request is used by the VIM to instantiate, based on the resource requirement information of the first internal network, an external network connected to the VNF. Then, the NFVO sends a VNF instantiation request to a VNFM. The VNF instantiation request is used by the VNFM to instantiate the VNF based on the VNFD.