Quality-Aware VNF Data Forwarding in 5G Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Network function virtualization (NFV) in 5G mobile communications systems faces challenges in efficient packet forwarding and quality of service (QoS) handling due to the decoupling of legacy network functions from purpose-built hardware, leading to inefficient user data forwarding in Software-Defined Networking (SDN) environments.
Innovation Solution
Implementing quality-aware user data forwarding by VNF instances that learn path quality information to intelligently select paths in the underlay transport network for forwarding packets, using encapsulated packets with outer headers specifying optimal source port numbers to ensure better path utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If VNF instances are deployed in SDN environment using NFV technology, then network functions can be decoupled from purpose-built hardware and deployed as virtualized instances for independent scalability, but packet forwarding efficiency and QoS handling deteriorate compared to hardware-based network functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the forwarding decision process into multiple components: path quality measurement, quality metric collection, and intelligent path selection. By dividing the VNF instance into modules that independently handle measurement, evaluation, and forwarding decisions, the system achieves both virtualization flexibility and hardware-like forwarding efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the VNF instance continuously measures path quality metrics (delay, jitter, packet loss) and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust forwarding path selections. This closed-loop control enables the virtualized system to adapt to changing network conditions and maintain high forwarding efficiency comparable to hardware-based systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If cloud-native VNF instances are deployed in SDN environment, then independent scalability and deployment are facilitated, but QoS handling capability deteriorates compared to hardware-based network functions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring multiple forwarding paths and pre-measuring their quality metrics before actual data forwarding begins. The VNF instance maintains a database of path quality information and uses this pre-collected data to make immediate QoS-aware forwarding decisions, ensuring reliable QoS handling from the start of operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the VNF instance by dynamically adjusting path selection based on measured quality metrics. The system monitors parameters such as delay, jitter, and packet loss, and modifies forwarding behavior in response to parameter changes, enabling cloud-native VNF instances to achieve hardware-level QoS handling capability.
3Device complexity
If traditional packet forwarding is used in VNF instances, then implementation is simple, but path selection quality deteriorates leading to inefficient use of underlay transport network
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component within the VNF instance that acts as a path quality measurement and selection module. This intermediary collects quality metrics from the underlay transport network, evaluates multiple available paths, and selects optimal paths for forwarding. This added layer of intelligence significantly improves path utilization efficiency while maintaining manageable implementation complexity through modular design.
Data Source
AI summary
Example methods and systems for quality-aware user data forwarding in a mobile communications system are described. One example may involve a first virtualized network function (VNF) instance supported by a computer system establishing a user plane tunnel with a second VNF instance; and learning path quality information associated with multiple paths over the user plane tunnel. In response to receiving a packet that includes user data for forwarding in an uplink direction or a downlink direction, the first VNF instance may select the first path over the second path based on at least the path quality information; and generate and send an encapsulated packet over the user plane tunnel towards the second VNF instance. The encapsulated packet may include the packet and an outer header specifying the first outer source port number associated with the first path.