Virtual Network Function Sharing Profile for Multi-Network Resource Allocation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing communication systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing computational resources, particularly in complex network architectures with multiple interconnected communication networks and network slices, where dynamic load management and resource allocation are critical.
Innovation Solution
A communication system incorporating a network function virtualization orchestration system and a virtual network function sharing management component that establishes a sharing profile for virtual network functions, enabling efficient sharing and resource allocation between communication networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If virtual network functions are implemented on off-the-shelf servers to increase flexibility and resource allocation capability, then adaptability and ease of operation are improved, but efficient use of computational resources becomes more difficult in complex network architectures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sharing profile as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the virtual network function and multiple communication networks. The sharing profile contains sharing rules that automatically determine whether and how a VNF can be shared with other networks, eliminating the need for complex manual resource allocation decisions in multi-network environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The sharing profile is designed as a universal mechanism that can be applied to any virtual network function across any number of communication networks. It provides a standardized approach for resource sharing that works consistently regardless of the specific network architecture or VNF type, simplifying resource management across diverse complex networks.
2Productivity
If virtual network functions are shared across multiple communication networks to optimize resource usage, then productivity and resource efficiency are improved, but ensuring proper authorization and isolation between networks becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sharing profile acts as an intermediary authorization mechanism that sits between the virtual network function and requesting communication networks. It contains sharing rules that automatically enforce authorization decisions and isolation requirements, ensuring that resource sharing does not compromise network security or reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sharing profile is established in advance with predefined sharing rules that determine under what conditions a VNF can be shared. This preliminary configuration of authorization rules ensures that when sharing requests occur, the decisions are already determined and isolated, preventing security issues during dynamic resource allocation.
3Reliability
If sharing profiles with sharing rules are established to control VNF sharing between networks, then reliability and authorization control are improved, but device complexity and management overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sharing profile uses parameter-based sharing rules that can be configured with simple yes/no decisions or basic conditions. By changing the management approach from complex policy frameworks to parameter-based rules, the system achieves reliable authorization control while keeping the complexity of profile management tractable and manageable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If virtual network functions are allocated dynamically to cope with load increases, then adaptability and responsiveness are improved, but efficient resource allocation in multi-network environments becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The sharing profile serves as an intermediary that automatically handles the complexity of resource allocation decisions across multiple networks. When load changes occur, the system can dynamically allocate VNFs to networks that have capacity, with the sharing profile automatically determining eligibility based on pre-configured sharing rules, thus maintaining adaptability without proportionally increasing allocation complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
According to one embodiment, a communication system is described comprising a network function virtualization orchestration system configured to provide a virtual network function for an application for a communication network and a virtual network function sharing management component configured to establish a sharing profile of the virtual network function, wherein the sharing profile specifies whether the virtual network function may be shared with another communication network. The network function virtualization orchestration system is configured to, upon a request from the other communication network for provision of a virtual network function, fulfil the request from the other communication network by sharing the provided virtual network function with the other communication network if the sharing profile specifies that the virtual network function may be shared with the other communication network.