VNFC Resource Measurement Mapping for NFV Performance Attribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

In network function virtualization (NFV) environments, existing systems struggle to manage performance at the virtualized network function component (VNFC) level due to a lack of direct mapping between Managed Elements (ME) and VNFCs, making it difficult for Network Managers (NM) to attribute performance measurement data accurately across multi-vendor networks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing new performance measurement types at the VNFC level, including mean and peak processor usage, and enhancing VNFC to MF mapping, allowing for standardized reporting of resource utilization data to Element Managers (EMs) and Network Managers (NMs).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If performance measurement is implemented at VNFC level, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to lack of direct mapping between ME and VNFCs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance measurement precisionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces VNFC instances as an intermediary layer between Managed Elements (ME) and Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs). Each VNFC instance is associated with a specific VNF instance and represents a functional component, enabling performance measurements to be attributed to specific VNFCs while maintaining the existing ME-VNF management structure. This intermediary resolves the mapping complexity by creating a structured relationship without requiring direct ME-VNFC mapping.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multi-vendor network management is supported, then adaptability is improved, but measurement data attribution becomes difficult due to vendor-specific implementations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-vendor compatibilityVSAvoiddata attribution accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal VNFC instance framework that can represent different types of network function components across multiple vendors. The VNFC instance structure includes standardized attributes (VNF instance ID, VNFC type, name) that enable consistent performance measurement and attribution regardless of the underlying vendor-specific implementation. This universal structure allows Network Managers to attribute measurements accurately across multi-vendor environments while maintaining vendor-specific functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3500929B1Methods and apparatuses for virtualized network function component level virtualized resources performance management collection

Publication Date: 2025.11.12 NOKIA SOLUTIONS & NETWORKS OY

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AI summary

Systems, methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for virtualized network function (VNF) component (VNFC) level performance management are provided. One method includes collecting virtualized resources measurements, identifying virtualized network function components that the virtualized resources measurements belong to, and associating the collected virtualized resources measurements with an application function (MF).