VNFD Shared Storage for NFV Resource Utilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
In Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) management and orchestration, there is no means to share storage resources between Virtual Deployment Units (VDUs) as described in the standard NFV-MANO specification, limiting resource utilization and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A VNF descriptor (VNFD) is enhanced by including an entry that defines connected apparatuses, such as storage, on the same layer as VDU information elements, allowing the VNFD to specify shared resources among VDUs, enabling the creation of instances that share the same storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If storage resources are allocated separately to each VDU in standard NFV-MANO specification, then resource isolation and security are improved, but resource utilization and system efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables storage resources to serve multiple VDUs simultaneously by introducing a shared storage mechanism. The storage resource is no longer dedicated to a single VDU but can be accessed by multiple VDUs, making the storage resource universal and multi-functional, thereby improving resource utilization while maintaining access control for security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges previously separate storage resources into a shared storage pool that can be accessed by multiple VDUs. By combining individual storage allocations into a unified shared resource, the system achieves better resource utilization while maintaining logical separation through access control mechanisms
2Reliability
If dedicated storage is assigned to each VDU, then data security and isolation are improved, but flexibility and resource efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the storage access control at the software/firmware level while maintaining physical shared storage. Each VDU gets logical segmentation of storage access through controlled interfaces, ensuring data security without requiring physical separation, thus enabling flexible resource allocation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (storage management system/interface) between VDUs and physical storage resources. This intermediary controls access, ensures security, and enables flexible allocation by mediating between multiple VDUs and shared storage, providing both security and adaptability
3Reliability
If separate storage resources are allocated to each VDU, then resource isolation is improved, but overall system efficiency and operational cost deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables storage resources to be dynamically allocated and deallocated based on VDU needs. When a VDU no longer requires specific storage capacity, the resource can be recovered and reallocated to other VDUs, improving overall system efficiency while maintaining isolation through controlled access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms static dedicated storage allocation into dynamic shared storage allocation. Storage resources can be dynamically assigned to different VDUs based on current needs, improving system efficiency and adaptability while maintaining security through dynamic access control mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
VNF (Virtual Network Function) descriptor (VNFD) is configured to include an entry that describes a definition of at least one predetermined apparatus connected to each VDU (Virtual Deployment Unit) on a same layer as an information element of the VDU, with a definition element including an apparatus name of the apparatus being provided under the entry and associated with the entry. The VNFD is received from a storage unit storing the VNFD, and an associated instance is created.