Seamless Virtual Network Function Replacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems face challenges in replacing virtual network functions without interrupting network services, particularly in dynamic deployment and runtime management of virtualized network elements and services, which is crucial for efficient service creation and operational support in cloud computing and software-defined networks.
Innovation Solution
A method that queries a service catalog and virtual service inventory to deploy a new version of a virtual network function by updating network addresses, load balancing tables, and forwarding policy rules, enabling seamless replacement without service interruption through automated metadata-driven processes and orchestration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a virtual network function is replaced with a new version, then service improvement and updates are achieved, but service interruption and downtime occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by deploying the new version of the virtual network function in parallel with the old version before switching traffic. The new instance is prepared and configured in advance, with load balancer rules and forwarding policies updated beforehand, so that when the switch occurs, the new version is already ready to handle traffic immediately, minimizing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses load balancers and forwarding policy rules as intermediaries to manage the transition between old and new versions. These intermediaries redirect traffic from the old virtual network function instance to the new one, enabling a smooth handover without direct service interruption. The intermediary mechanism allows traffic to be gradually shifted or completely redirected without affecting service continuity.
2Measurement precision
If manual replacement processes are used for virtual network functions, then control and verification are improved, but operational complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated orchestration that performs the entire replacement process without manual intervention. The system automatically queries service catalogs, selects appropriate replacement instances, updates load balancer configurations, modifies forwarding policies, and verifies the replacement success. This automation maintains precise control over each step while eliminating the complexity of manual coordination across multiple system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by modifying configuration parameters such as load balancer virtual IP addresses, forwarding policy rules, and instance identifiers to orchestrate the replacement. By systematically changing these parameters in a defined sequence, the system achieves precise control over the replacement process while automating the complexity of coordinating multiple configuration changes across different network components.
3Manufacturing precision
If comprehensive updates are made to load balancers, forwarding policies, and service catalogs, then replacement completeness is improved, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the replacement process into distinct, manageable stages: querying the service catalog, selecting the replacement instance, updating the load balancer, modifying forwarding policies, and verifying completion. Each stage handles a specific subset of updates independently, ensuring completeness while reducing the perceived complexity by breaking down the comprehensive update process into discrete, automated steps that can be executed in sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and associated computer system. A processor queries a service catalog and a virtual service inventory to obtain network service instances including a virtual network function. The processor seamlessly replaces the virtual network function by a new version of the virtual network function without interruption of the network service in the production environment. The processor deploys the new version of the virtual network function unattached to the production environment, including: replacing a network address of the virtual network function in the load balancer with a network address of the new version of the virtual network function. In response to a determination by the processor that the virtual network function has a floating network address, the processor detaches the floating network address from the virtual network function and attaches the detached floating network address to the new version of the virtual network function.