Virtual Network Function Orchestration via Packet Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network management systems face challenges in efficiently orchestrating virtual network functions (VNFs) on computing devices as needed, leading to suboptimal packet processing and resource utilization.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for on-demand orchestration of VNFs, where a software-defined network controller identifies the required VNFs and orchestrates them on computing devices based on packet analysis and orchestration requests, enabling efficient processing of subsequent packets using the orchestrated VNFs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If VNFs are pre-installed on all computing devices, then packet processing capability is improved, but device resource utilization deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring VNF templates and orchestration policies in the SDN controller before packets arrive. When a packet requires VNF processing, the controller rapidly instantiates the appropriate VNF from pre-prepared templates rather than creating from scratch, reducing deployment time while avoiding permanent installation on all devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The SDN controller acts as an intermediary between packet processing requirements and VNF deployment. It receives packet metadata, determines VNF needs, orchestrates VNF instantiation on suitable computing devices, and manages the lifecycle of VNFs. This intermediary layer enables dynamic resource allocation without requiring pre-installation on all devices.
2Quantity of substance
If VNFs are dynamically orchestrated on-demand, then resource utilization is improved, but packet processing time deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
VNF templates, configuration parameters, and orchestration policies are pre-configured in the SDN controller before runtime. When packet analysis indicates a need for VNF processing, the controller can rapidly instantiate VNFs from these pre-prepared templates, significantly reducing the time required for dynamic deployment compared to creating VNFs from scratch.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements dynamic VNF orchestration where computing devices can transition between different operational states - idle, processing packets locally, or forwarding to orchestrated VNFs. The SDN controller dynamically adjusts packet routing and VNF deployment based on real-time network conditions, traffic patterns, and resource availability, optimizing the balance between processing speed and resource efficiency.
3Productivity
If packets are processed using orchestrated VNFs, then network efficiency is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts VNF orchestration complexity from individual computing devices and centralizes it in the SDN controller. Computing devices only need to perform packet analysis, identify VNF requirements, and forward packets to orchestrated VNFs. The complex tasks of VNF selection, instantiation, configuration, and lifecycle management are extracted and handled by the controller, simplifying device implementation while enabling efficient network-wide VNF orchestration.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for computing device management includes receiving a first incoming packet by a first computing device, analyzing the first incoming packet to identify a virtual network function (VNF) needed to process the first incoming packet, transmitting, to a software defined network controller and in response to the first incoming packet, an orchestration request requesting to orchestrate the VNF on the first computing device, and orchestrating the VNF on the first computing device. The method further includes processing a second incoming packet using the VNF on the first computing device.