Virtual Network Function Version Validation System
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Solution Overview
Problem
In the NFV environment, carriers face challenges in integrating and validating third-party virtual network functions (VNFs) for carrier networks, leading to potential malfunctions due to incompatible versions, as existing techniques do not account for third-party involvement in system integration.
Innovation Solution
A virtual network system that includes an instructor, confirmation unit, and setting unit to manage and validate the version of VNFs before activation or change, ensuring compatibility and preventing malfunctions by using a version database to confirm the appropriateness of the VNF version.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a virtual network function from a third party is incorporated into a carrier network system, then the system can utilize additional network functions and services, but the risk of network malfunction increases due to version incompatibility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary version confirmation before activating or changing virtual network functions. The confirmation unit checks whether the VNF version is appropriate by comparing it against stored version information in the database, preventing incompatible versions from being deployed to the network
Solution Approach 2:
A version database acts as an intermediary between third-party VNF providers and the carrier network. The database stores appropriate version information and mediates the compatibility check, allowing the system to safely integrate external VNFs while maintaining reliability
2Reliability
If version confirmation is performed for every VNF activation or change, then network reliability is improved, but the complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a self-service approach where the confirmation unit automatically checks VNF version compatibility against pre-stored version information in the database. This automated self-verification process maintains high reliability without requiring complex manual approval workflows or additional control infrastructure
Data Source
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AI summary
A system according to this invention is directed to a virtual network system that selects a virtual network function of an appropriate version and prevents a malfunction of a virtual network when an operator is to provide a virtual network service based on virtual network functions. The virtual network system includes an instructor that instructs activation or change of a virtual network function preregistered and providing one of functions included in a virtual network service, a confirmation unit that confirms that the virtual network function instructed to be activated or changed is appropriate, based on version information added at a time of registering the virtual network function, and a setting unit that sets, when the confirmation unit confirms that the virtual network function instructed to be activated or changed is appropriate, the instructed virtual network function as the one of the functions included in the virtual network service.