Virtual Network Function Manager Alternative Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for managing virtual network functions face challenges due to inaccurate or obsolete resource allocation inputs, leading to resource shortages, failed operations, and service degradation, particularly in dynamic virtualization environments where resources may become unavailable during allocation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a virtual network function manager that allows for the selection of alternative virtual resources with different characteristics if the initially requested resource is unavailable, utilizing predefined characteristics and policies to dynamically allocate resources and ensure successful operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the system strictly uses current characteristics for requested virtual resources, then resource allocation precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates when resources become unavailable
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter of resource characteristics by introducing alternative characteristics that differ from the originally requested characteristics. When the requested virtual resource is unavailable, the system selects an alternative resource with modified parameters (alternative characteristics) that can still satisfy the service requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between allocation precision and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system makes the resource allocation process dynamic by allowing flexibility in characteristic matching. Instead of a static, strict match between requested and allocated resources, the system dynamically adapts by selecting resources with alternative characteristics when needed, enabling the system to respond to changing resource availability conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the system requests specific virtual resources with predefined characteristics, then resource allocation accuracy is improved, but operational efficiency deteriorates due to failed operations and retries
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-defining alternative characteristics and preparing alternative resource options before the actual allocation fails. This allows the system to quickly switch to alternative resources without extensive retry logic, thereby maintaining allocation accuracy while improving operational efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by monitoring the availability of requested resources and adjusting the allocation strategy accordingly. When a resource is unavailable, the system receives feedback about the failure and uses this information to select alternative resources with different characteristics, thus maintaining accuracy while reducing retries.
3Speed
If the system assumes all knowledge is always available for decision-making, then decision-making speed is improved, but reliability deteriorates in dynamic virtualization environments
Solution Approach 1:
The system acknowledges the dynamic nature of virtualization environments by making the decision-making process adaptive rather than static. Instead of assuming all knowledge is always available, the system dynamically adjusts its decisions based on current resource availability information, maintaining speed while improving reliability through flexible characteristic matching.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method of operating a virtual network function manager for management of a virtual network function. A first request to manage a virtual network function is received (404). The request comprises an indication of whether to select an alternative virtual resource for allocation if a requested virtual resource is unavailable for allocation. A second request for a virtual resource associated with the first request to manage the virtual network function is transmitted (406). The requested virtual resource has one or more predefined characteristics. If a response is received that indicates the virtual resource having the one or more predefined characteristics is unavailable for allocation (408), an alternative virtual resource is selected for allocation (412). The alternative virtual resource has one or more alternative characteristics comprising at least one alternative characteristic that is different to a corresponding one of the predefined characteristics.