VNFMs Placement in Distributed NFVI Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

In large-scale and distributed Network Function Virtualization (NFV) deployments, the placement of Virtual Network Function Managers (VNFMs) is challenging due to variations in network topology and workload, leading to performance delays and increased operational costs, with existing solutions failing to optimize VNFMs placement effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method using Integer Linear Programming (ILP) and the tabu search algorithm to dynamically determine the optimal number and placement of VNFMs across geographically distributed NFVI Points of Presence (PoPs), adapting to changes in network topology and workload, while minimizing operational costs and ensuring performance requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If VNFMs are placed in geographically distributed NFVI-PoPs to reduce communication delays, then performance is improved, but device complexity and operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by placing VNFMs in specific geographically distributed NFVI-PoPs based on local network conditions and workload characteristics. Each PoP receives tailored placement decisions considering its unique position in the network topology, thereby reducing communication delays for local VNF instances while managing overall system complexity through localized optimization rather than uniform global placement

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamics by implementing a tabu search algorithm that continuously adapts VNFM placement decisions based on changing network topology and workload variations. The system dynamically reevaluates and adjusts VNFM positions across distributed PoPs, allowing the network to respond to temporal changes while maintaining optimal performance without static rigid configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the number of VNFMs is increased to manage more VNF instances, then productivity is improved, but operational costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveVNF management capacityVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by designing VNFMs with multi-functional capabilities to manage diverse VNF instances across different service types and network functions. A single VNFM can handle multiple VNF instances and participate in various management operations, thereby increasing productivity without proportionally increasing the number of VNFMs and associated operational costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple VNF management functions into unified VNFM entities that can simultaneously perform lifecycle management, resource orchestration, and monitoring tasks. By combining these functions and consolidating VNFM resources strategically across PoPs, the system achieves high management capacity while reducing the total number of VNFMs required, thereby lowering operational costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Loss of energy

If VNFMs placement is optimized for minimum operational cost, then loss of energy is reduced, but reliability may deteriorate due to suboptimal performance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational costVSAvoidperformance reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of energyVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the tabu search algorithm continuously monitors network performance metrics and operational costs, using this information to iteratively improve VNFM placement decisions. The system learns from past placement outcomes and adjusts future decisions to simultaneously optimize both cost efficiency and performance reliability, preventing suboptimal placements that would compromise service quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

4Adaptability or versatility

If tabu search algorithm is used to dynamically adapt VNFMs placement, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplacement adaptabilityVSAvoidalgorithm complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by implementing an autonomous tabu search algorithm that automatically performs VNFM placement optimization without requiring manual intervention or complex external control systems. The algorithm independently evaluates network conditions, generates placement candidates, and executes optimization decisions, thereby achieving high adaptability while managing algorithmic complexity through self-contained automated operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3652894B1A method for VNF managers placement in large-scale and distributed NFV systems

Publication Date: 2021.10.20 TELEFONAKTIEBOLAGET LM ERICSSON (PUBL)

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AI summary

There is provided a network node and method for placement of virtual network functions managers (VNFMs) in a network functions virtualization (NFV) system. The method comprises determining a number of VNFMs for the NFV system, determining a type for each VNFM, determining a placement for each VNFM over distributed Network Function Virtualization Infrastructure Points of Presence (NFVI-PoPs) and determining a plurality of associations between the VNFMs and VNF instances in the system, thereby generating a VNFMs placement solution.