VNF Service Chain Optimization with Hardware Acceleration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional approaches to Virtual Network Function (VNF) service chaining do not optimize hardware acceleration placement dynamically, leading to suboptimal resource usage and increased latency, and fail to migrate from VM-based NFV to Hardware Acceleration (HA)-based NFV with minimal service disruption.
Innovation Solution
A method for determining the optimal placement of VNFs in a service chain using a lowest cost determination model, configuring programmable regions of acceleration hardware, and activating the service chain with a Make-Before-Break (MBB) operation to minimize service interruption, allowing migration from VM to HA resources based on monitoring analytics and performance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If VNFs are deployed on static hardware appliances with conventional firmware configuration, then device complexity is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but resource usage efficiency deteriorates and latency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from static firmware configuration to dynamic service chain orchestration. The system dynamically determines VNF placement, configures programmable hardware regions, and activates service chains based on real-time analytics and performance monitoring, enabling the network to adapt and optimize resource usage efficiently while maintaining ease of operation through automated orchestration.
2Device complexity
If VNFs are deployed on static hardware appliances, then device complexity is reduced, but latency increases due to inability to optimize placement dynamically
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically optimizes VNF placement by analyzing service chain requirements and determining optimal positions for VNFs across the network infrastructure. This dynamic placement determination and the subsequent configuration of programmable hardware regions enable latency reduction while maintaining manageable device complexity through centralized orchestration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary orchestration system that manages the complexity of dynamic VNF placement and hardware configuration. This intermediary layer handles the complex tasks of service chain determination, hardware region configuration, and activation coordination, thereby reducing the apparent device complexity while achieving low-latency performance through optimized placement.
3Productivity
If service chain reconfiguration is performed conventionally, then service chain optimization is achieved, but service disruption increases causing downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action through the Make-Before-Break (MBB) operation. The system activates a new service chain configuration before deactivating the old one, ensuring continuous service availability. This preliminary activation of the new configuration prevents service disruption during the transition from the old to the new optimized service chain.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares the new service chain configuration in advance and validates it before switching, cushioning against potential service disruptions. The MBB operation ensures that a backup path or configuration is ready before the switch, protecting against failures and minimizing service interruption during reconfiguration.
4Productivity
If migration from VM to Hardware Acceleration is performed directly, then resource usage efficiency improves, but service disruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages the migration process from VM-based NFV to Hardware Acceleration-based NFV. Through automated service chain determination and configuration of programmable hardware regions, the system enables seamless migration that improves resource usage efficiency while maintaining service continuity through orchestration and MBB operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The orchestration system acts as an intermediary during the migration from VM to Hardware Acceleration. It manages the transition by coordinating service chain reconfiguration, hardware region programming, and activation sequences, thereby enabling efficient migration while minimizing service disruption through centralized control and MBB operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for Virtual Network Function (VNF) service chain optimization include, responsive to a request, determining placement for one or more VNFs in a VNF service chain based on a lowest cost determination; configuring at least one programmable region of acceleration hardware for at least one VNF of the one or more VNFs; and activating the VNF service chain. The lowest cost determination can be based on a service chain cost model that assigns costs based on connectivity between switching elements and between hops between sites. The activating can include a Make-Before-Break (MBB) operation in a network to minimize service interruption of the VNF service chain.