VNF Scaling Conflict Resolution via EMS Control Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing technologies face conflicts in controlling the scaling of virtualized network functions (VNFs) due to the simultaneous operation of automatic scaling function modules at different levels, leading to ineffective management.

Innovation Solution

A method and device for transmitting management instructions from the Element Management System (EMS) or Network Management System (NMS) to the Virtualized Network Function Manager (VNFM) or VNF instance, allowing direct management of the automatic scaling function, thereby avoiding conflicts and ensuring proper scaling operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If automatic scaling function modules are deployed at multiple levels (VNF, VNFM, EMS, NMS), then the system provides flexibility and multiple management perspectives, but conflicts occur in controlling scaling of the VNF

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanagement flexibilityVSAvoidscaling control consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the scaling control authority by introducing a configuration parameter that specifies which management level (VNF, VNFM, EMS, or NMS) has the authority to control scaling. This segmentation resolves the conflict by ensuring that only one level can initiate scaling operations at a time, while maintaining the ability to deploy scaling function modules at multiple levels for different management needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If multiple automatic scaling function modules operate simultaneously at different levels, then comprehensive monitoring and control capabilities are achieved, but conflicting scaling operations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidscaling conflict
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary configuration parameter that mediates between multiple scaling function modules operating at different levels. This parameter acts as a coordination mechanism that prevents conflicting scaling operations by ensuring that scaling control is assigned to a single authoritative level, while allowing other levels to maintain monitoring and management capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Speed

If automatic scaling is enabled at the VNF level, then rapid local response to performance changes is achieved, but conflicts arise with higher-level management control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescaling response speedVSAvoidcontrol coordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the scaling control authority configurable rather than fixed. The configuration parameter can be dynamically adjusted to assign scaling control to different levels (VNF, VNFM, EMS, or NMS) based on operational needs, allowing the system to switch between rapid local response and centralized control as required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3376711B1Management method and device for managing instruction transmission for automatic VNF scaling function
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 ZTE CORP
  • EP3376711B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3376711B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3376711B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A method and device for transmitting a management instruction and managing an automatic scaling function of a VNF is provided. The method for transmitting a management instruction includes: determining by an EMS that an automatic scaling function of the VNF on a VNFM is required to be managed, and transmitting a first management instruction to the VNFM by the EMS, where the first management instruction is used for instructing the VNFM to manage the automatic scaling function of the VNF on the VNFM; or, determining by the EMS that the automatic scaling function of the VNF on a VNF instance is required to be managed, and transmitting a second management instruction to the VNFM or the VNF by the EMS, where the second management instruction is used for instructing the VNFM or the VNF instance to manage the automatic scaling function of the VNF on the VNF instance. A problem of a conflict in controlling scaling of the VNF is solved.