VNFM Resource Authorization via NFVO Pool Indication
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Solution Overview
Problem
In conventional Network Function Virtualization (NFV) architecture, the Virtual Network Function Manager (VNFM) lacks authority to decide the resource pool for requested resources and cannot deploy Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) across multiple resource pools due to unknown resource distribution, limiting flexible resource allocation and extension capabilities.
Innovation Solution
The proposed resource authorization method includes steps where the VNFM determines resource requests and transmits requests to the Network Function Virtualization Orchestrator (NFVO) with a resource pool indication parameter, allowing the NFVO to authorize and allocate resources to designated or excluded pools, enabling the VNFM to use resources effectively across multiple pools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the VNFM specifies the requested resource volume without specifying the resource pool indication parameter, then the resource authorization request can be initiated simply, but the VNFM has no authority to decide the resource pool and cannot deploy VNF across multiple resource pools
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the resource pool indication parameter based on the operation type. For initial VNF deployment, the parameter is optional allowing simple requests. For VNF extension operations, the parameter becomes mandatory to ensure proper resource pool selection, thus adapting the system behavior to different operational contexts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a resource pool indication parameter that can be optionally included in the resource authorization request. This parameter changes the authorization behavior: when present, it grants the VNFM authority to specify the resource pool; when absent, the NFVO retains full authorization control. This parameter-based approach resolves the contradiction by allowing both simple and authoritative request modes.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the VNFM specifies the requested resource volume and resource pool indication parameter, then the deployment of extended part and original VNF within the same resource pool can be ensured, but it is impossible to achieve deployment of VNF across resource pools
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically determines whether to enforce resource pool consistency based on the operation type. For extension operations, the resource pool indication parameter is required to maintain consistency. For new deployments, the parameter can be omitted or set to allow cross-pool deployment, thus providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining stability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the resource pool indication parameter to control deployment behavior. When this parameter is specified in the request, the system ensures deployment within the same resource pool for consistency. When not specified or set differently, cross-pool deployment becomes possible, thus using parameter changes to resolve the contradiction between consistency and versatility.
3Device complexity
If the VNFM does not know the global resources within the resource pools, then the resource authorization request can be initiated without complex information, but it is impossible to ensure that the resource is requested successfully
Solution Approach 1:
The NFVO acts as an intermediary between the VNFM and the resource pools. The VNFM submits resource authorization requests with optional resource pool indication parameters to the NFVO, which then has full visibility of global resources and makes the final authorization decision. This intermediary approach allows the VNFM to operate with minimal information while ensuring reliable resource allocation through the NFVO's comprehensive resource knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The resource pool indication parameter serves as a hint that changes the authorization evaluation process. When provided, the NFVO uses this parameter to guide resource selection, improving the likelihood of successful allocation. When not provided, the NFVO performs full resource evaluation. This parameter-based mechanism maintains low complexity for the VNFM while improving request success rate through intelligent parameter usage.
4Ease of operation
If the NFVO retains full authority to authorize resources without VNFM specifying resource pool, then the authorization process is simple, but the VNFM cannot have authority to use the resource after authorization
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the distribution of authorization authority based on the presence of the resource pool indication parameter. When the parameter is included in the request, the VNFM is granted authority to specify the resource pool and the NFVO authorizes accordingly. When the parameter is absent, the NFVO retains full authorization control. This dynamic authority adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing both simple and authoritative modes.
Solution Approach 2:
The resource pool indication parameter acts as a switch that changes the authorization model. When this parameter is present and valid, the authorization process becomes VNFM-driven with the NFVO acting as an approver. When absent, the process remains NFVO-driven. This parameter-based mechanism allows the system to switch between simple and authoritative authorization modes, resolving the contradiction.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure provides a resource authorization method for deployment of a VNF, a VNFM, an NFVO, a storage medium and a device. The resource authorization method includes steps of: determining, by the VNFM, whether or not there is a resource request; in the case that there is the resource request, transmitting, by the VNFM, a resource authorization request to the NFVO; receiving, by the VNFM, a resource authorization response from the NFVO, the resource authorization response containing a resource authorization result; and processing, by the VNFM, the resource authorization result.