KR102146903B1 - Method and apparatus for operating network function virtualization - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for operating a network function virtualization, and in operating a plurality of network function virtualization apparatuses including a virtualization network node that performs a function of a network node by receiving clustered hardware resources and virtual resources The virtualization service layer of is set and operated so that the optimal network function virtualization infrastructure and virtual network node are used according to the IoT service to be used by the mobile communication terminal. In particular, when the service state or the location of the mobile communication terminal is changed during the provision of the IoT service, it can be changed to the optimal virtual network node for the service accordingly. Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently operate a plurality of virtualization network devices that can be spaced apart from each other at remote locations.

Description

Network function virtualization operating device and method {METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OPERATING NETWORK FUNCTION VIRTUALIZATION}

The present invention relates to a network function virtualization operation, and more particularly, to a network function virtualization operation apparatus and method for efficiently operating a plurality of network function virtualization devices according to characteristics of an object communication service.

As is well known, network function virtualization separates hardware and software from network equipment, and virtualizes and provides network functions on the basis of virtualization of a general-purpose server.

Since general network equipment is provided in an integrated form of hardware and software, there is a problem that the flexibility is inferior. However, since the hardware and software are separated from the network function virtualization, the flexibility is improved, so that the network of the service provider can operate more agile and efficient. Provides an important principle to enable.

By incorporating such network function virtualization into a mobile communication service system, various network nodes can be virtualized, thereby improving the flexibility and agility of the mobile communication service system. For example, in the case of an EPS (Evolved Packet System)/LTE (Long Term Evolution) system, a Mobility Management Entity (MME), a Serving Gateway (SGW), a Packet Data Network Gateway (PGW), and the like can be virtualized.

Here, virtualizing various network nodes means a network function virtualization infrastructure (infrastructure, hereinafter referred to as'infrastructure') including hardware resources such as computing hardware, storage hardware, and network hardware, and virtual resources such as virtual computing, virtual storage, and virtual networks. ) Is assigned to a guest OS (guest operating system) program so that various network node functions can be performed.

On the other hand, in recent years, in addition to the general mobile communication service between people and people, interest and utilization of communication services between machines and machines are increasing. These machine-to-machine communication services include IoT (Internet of Things), M2M (Machine to Machine communication), MTC (Machine Type Communication), Smart Device communication, or Machine oriented communication. It is called in various ways. Hereinafter, it will be collectively referred to as an IoT communication service.

As part of an effort to optimize the network function virtualization part for mobile communication service according to the characteristics of the thing communication service, the applicant of the patent application no. 2014-0149082 (October 30, 2014) "Virtualization Infrastructure Management Device And the method" has been applied for a patent. The apparatus and method for managing a virtualization infrastructure is to cluster and manage a network function virtualization infrastructure including hardware resources and virtual resources such as computing and networks.

However, the network function virtualization device may be built in a single location, but may be rescued in a plurality of physically spaced locations.

Accordingly, there is a need for a method for efficiently operating a plurality of network function virtualization devices that are physically spaced apart and built in a plurality of locations.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, when a network function virtualization infrastructure and a virtual network node included in different network function virtualization devices that can be built in different places are set as a single virtualization service layer, a plurality of virtualization service layers can be set. A network function virtualization operating device and method capable of efficiently operating a plurality of network function virtualization devices in accordance with the characteristics of an object communication service are provided.

The problem to be solved of the present invention is not limited to those mentioned above, and another problem to be solved that is not mentioned will be clearly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art from the following description.

According to an aspect of the present invention, among a plurality of network function virtualization devices including a virtualization network node that performs a function of a network node by receiving clustered hardware resources and virtual resources, the A layer setting information storage unit in which hardware resources, the virtual resources, and the virtualization network node are set as one virtualization service layer, and setting information on a plurality of virtualization service layers is stored, and corresponding to the plurality of virtualization service layers , A layer-specific information storage unit in which service information for at least one object communication service is stored among a plurality of things communication services, and a virtualization stored in the layer-specific information storage unit corresponding to an object communication service to be used by the service-requested mobile communication terminal. A control unit for identifying a service layer and requesting a service connection to the mobile communication terminal from the network function virtualization device including the virtualized network node in the identified virtualization service layer, and the network function providing the IoT service When the service status information of the virtualization device or the location information of the mobile communication terminal satisfies a preset routing change condition, the virtualization network node connecting the service to a virtualization network node included in another network function virtualization device included in the same virtualization service layer It provides a network function virtualization operating device including a routing change processing unit to change.

According to another aspect of the present invention, as a method of operating a network function virtualization operating device a plurality of network function virtualization devices including a virtualization network node that performs a function of a network node by receiving clustered hardware resources and virtual resources, The step of identifying an object communication service to be used by the service-requested mobile communication terminal, and the hardware resource included in at least two network function virtualization devices among the plurality of network function virtualization devices, the virtual resource, and the virtualization network node In a state in which a virtualization service layer is set and a plurality of the virtualization service layers are set, identifying a virtualization service layer set to correspond to the identified IoT service layer, and the virtualization network node in the identified virtualization service layer Requesting a service connection to the mobile communication terminal from the network function virtualization device, and changing routing in which service state information of the network function virtualization device providing the object communication service or location information of the mobile communication terminal is preset Provides a network function virtualization operation method comprising the step of changing the virtual network node connected to the service to a virtual network node included in another network function virtualization device included in the same virtualization service layer when the condition is satisfied.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in operating a plurality of network function virtualization devices including a virtualization network node that performs a function of a network node by receiving clustered hardware resources and virtual resources, a plurality of virtualization service layers are set. And operation, so that an optimal network function virtualization infrastructure and a virtual network node are used according to the IoT service to be used by the mobile communication terminal.

In particular, when the service state or the location of the mobile communication terminal is changed during the provision of the IoT service, it can be changed to the optimal virtual network node for the service accordingly.

Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently operate a plurality of virtualization network devices that can be spaced apart from each other at remote locations.

1 is a block diagram of a network function virtualization mobile communication service system including a network function virtualization operation device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a detailed configuration diagram of the network function virtualization apparatus shown in FIG. 1.
3 is a flowchart illustrating a network function virtualization operation method by the network function virtualization operating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Advantages and features of the present invention, and a method of achieving them will become apparent with reference to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below, but may be implemented in a variety of different forms, only these embodiments are intended to complete the disclosure of the present invention, and common knowledge in the art to which the present invention pertains. It is provided to completely inform the scope of the invention to those who have, and the invention is only defined by the scope of the claims.

In describing the embodiments of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, terms to be described later are terms defined in consideration of functions in an embodiment of the present invention, which may vary according to the intention or custom of users or operators. Therefore, the definition should be made based on the contents throughout this specification.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a network function virtualization mobile communication service system including a network function virtualization operating device according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a detailed configuration diagram of the network function virtualization device shown in FIG. 1.

As shown, the network function virtualization mobile communication service system according to the embodiment includes a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N, a plurality of mobile communication terminals 21 and 22, and a base station. (30), a wireless access service recognition gateway 40, and a network function virtualization operation device 50.

The network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N include a network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100, a virtual network function unit 200, a network function virtualization operation unit 300, and a subscriber information management unit ( 400), a service profile storage unit 500, an operation support system (OSS) 600, and a service pattern analysis unit 700.

The network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 includes hardware resources 101 including computing hardware, storage hardware, and network hardware, and includes virtual computing, virtual storage, and virtual networks based on these hardware resources 101. Includes virtual resource 102. In addition, a virtualization unit 170 that performs a relay role between the hardware resource 101 or the virtual resource 102 and the guest OS program mounted on the virtual network function unit 200 so that the guest OS program performs the function of a network node. ). The virtualization unit 170 separates the hardware of the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 from the software of the virtualization network function unit 200 and serves as a relay between the hardware and software, and thus a hypervisor. It can also be called.

The network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 is a state in which computing hardware, storage hardware, and network hardware constituting the hardware resource 101, and virtual computing, virtual storage, and virtual network constituting the virtual resource 102 are individually operated. In the virtualization unit 170 may be interlocked with the virtualization network function unit 200.

Alternatively, the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 is operated in a state in which computing hardware, storage hardware, and network hardware constituting the hardware resource 101 form a plurality of infrastructure clusters 110, 120, 130, and virtual resources ( The virtual computing, virtual storage, and virtual networks constituting 102) are operated in a state of forming a plurality of virtual infrastructure clusters 140, 150, 160, and the infrastructure cluster 110, 120, 130 or the virtual infrastructure cluster 140, 150 and 160 may be interlocked with the virtualization network function unit 200 by the virtualization unit 170.

The virtualization network function unit 200 includes a plurality of virtualization network nodes 210, 220, and 230 that perform various network node functions by receiving a hardware resource or a virtual resource from the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 by a guest OS program. Include. In addition, a plurality of EMS (Element Management System) (240, 250, 260) that display the operation status through a GUI (Graphical User Interface), etc. to operate each virtual network node (210, 220, 230) Include. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, in the case of an EPS/LTE system, virtual network nodes such as a virtualized MME 210, a virtualized SGW 220, and a virtualized PGW 230 are shown.

The network function virtualization operation unit 300 provides the hardware resources 101 included in the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 when the virtualization network function unit 200 provides accommodation information on the IoT terminals currently in the IoT service. Among the virtual resources 102, a resource suitable for a service characteristic of a corresponding IoT terminal group is selected and allocated to the virtual network function unit 200.

The network function virtualization operation unit 300 includes a virtualization infrastructure management unit 310, a virtualization network function management unit 320, a virtualization control unit 330, and the like.

Among them, the virtualization infrastructure management unit 310 manages resource information including information on the hardware resource 101 and the virtual resource 102 constituting the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100. The virtualization infrastructure management unit 310 may cluster and manage computing hardware, storage hardware, and network hardware constituting the hardware resource 101, and virtual computing, virtual storage, and virtual networks constituting the virtual resource 102. .

The virtualization network function management unit 320 receives reception information on the IoT terminal that is currently serving IoT services from the virtualization network function unit 200 and delivers it to the virtualization control unit 330, and is being managed by the virtualization infrastructure management unit 310. The resource information of the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 is provided to the virtualization control unit 330. In addition, when appropriate resources are allocated to the virtualization network function unit 200 by the virtualization control unit 330 among the hardware resources 101 and the virtual resources 102 included in the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100, the virtualization network function unit ( 200) of the virtual network nodes 210, 220, 230 are migrated to the allocated resources. That is, resource information allocated to the virtualized network nodes 210, 220, and 230 is provided to perform functions of various network nodes.

The virtualization control unit 330 is managed by the virtualization network function unit 200 and the service-specific profile stored in the service profile storage unit 500 and the reception information on the IoT terminals currently in service A hardware resource 101 or a virtual resource 102 suitable for the virtualization network function unit 200 is allocated to the virtualization network function unit 200 with reference to the resource information of the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 and provides it to the virtualization network function management unit 320. The virtualization control unit 330 may be referred to as an orchestrator because it substantially manages the virtualization network function unit 200 through the allocation of the hardware resource 101 or the virtual resource 102.

The subscriber information management unit 400 stores and manages subscriber information on the IoT terminals subscribed to the IoT service.

The service profile storage unit 500 stores and manages a profile including characteristic information for various services that can be provided to IoT terminals subscribed to an IoT service. These service-specific profiles are provided to the virtualization control unit 330 of the network function virtualization operation unit 300 and are used and referenced when allocating the appropriate hardware resource 101 or the virtual resource 102 to the virtualization network function unit 200. .

OSS (600) performs the function of controlling the network to maximize efficiency and productivity, and performs the function of collecting information on the use of the network necessary for real-time network monitoring and control, network planning, operation, and maintenance. do.

The service pattern analysis unit 700 stores and manages additional service profiles for each subscriber and usage pattern information for each service, and supports to allocate an optimal network function virtualization infrastructure at all times even when service usage patterns of IoT terminals change.

The network function virtualization operation device 50 includes a layer setting information storage unit 51, a layer-specific information storage unit 52, a control unit 53, and a routing change processing unit 54.

The layer setting information storage unit 51 stores setting information for a plurality of virtualization service layers set for a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N. Here, in one virtualization service layer, a network function virtualization infrastructure and a virtualization network node included in at least two different network function virtualization devices among a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, …, 10-N. Is included. For example, the hardware resources 101 and the virtual resources 102 of the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 are included as network function virtualization infrastructure, among the virtualization network nodes 210, 220, 230 of the virtualization network function unit 200 Either one is included as a virtual network node.

The layer-by-layer information storage unit 52 stores service information for at least one thing communication service among a plurality of things communication services, corresponding to a plurality of virtualization service layers in which the setting information is stored in the layer setting information storage unit 51. . For example, among a plurality of IoT services, information on an IoT communication service having suitable service characteristics for each virtualization service layer is correspondingly stored.

The control unit 53 is a layer-specific information storage unit in response to service characteristic information for an object communication service to be used by the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 that have requested location registration and connection to the base station 30 among a plurality of virtualization service layers. Identify the virtualization service layer stored in (52), and request a service connection to the mobile communication terminal (21, 22) from the network function virtualization device including the virtualization network nodes (210, 220, 230) in the identified virtualization service layer do.

In addition, if the location information of the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 requested for a service is included in a preset area, the control unit 53 is selected from among a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N. A service connection to a mobile communication terminal is requested from a network function virtualization device included in a specific network function virtualization device.

In addition, the control unit 53 receives a service profile including service information for a plurality of things communication services from the plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N, and the received service A plurality of IoT service groups are set based on the profile, and a plurality of virtualization service layers corresponding to the set plurality of IoT service groups are generated.

In addition, the control unit 53 includes a hardware resource 101, a virtual resource 102, and a virtual network node 210, 220, 230 from a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N. ), and determine hardware resources 101 and virtual resources 102 and virtual network nodes 210, 220, 230 to each configure a plurality of virtualization service layers based on the received property information, and , And stores the determined setting information of the virtualization service layer in the layer setting information storage unit 51. In addition, the control unit 53 sets a virtualization transport network used for communication between different network function virtualization devices on the same virtualization service layer, and stores the setting information on the virtualization transport network as the setting information of the virtualization service layer. It is stored in the unit 51.

When the service status information of the network function virtualization device providing the IoT service or the location information of the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 satisfies a preset routing change condition, the routing change processing unit 54 identifies the virtual network node being connected to the service. Changes to a virtual network node included in another network function virtualization device included in the virtualization service layer. Here, the routing change processing unit 54 may determine that the routing change condition is satisfied if load distribution is required or an abnormal situation occurs according to the service state information. Further, the routing change processing unit 54 may determine that the routing change condition is satisfied when the location information of the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 is out of a preset area.

3 is a flowchart illustrating a network function virtualization operation method by the network function virtualization operating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

As shown, the network function virtualization operation method includes a step (S801) of receiving a service profile including service information for a plurality of things communication services from a plurality of network function virtualization devices.

And, it further includes a step (S802) of setting a plurality of things communication service group based on the received service profile.

In addition, the step of generating a plurality of virtualization service layers corresponding to a plurality of set IoT service groups (S803) is further included.

In addition, it further includes a step (S804) of receiving characteristic information on hardware resources, virtual resources, and virtual network nodes from the plurality of network function virtualization devices.

And, based on the received characteristic information, further comprising a step (S805) of determining a hardware resource, a virtual resource, and a virtual network node to configure each of the plurality of virtualization service layers.

Subsequently, the step (S806) of providing configuration information for a plurality of virtualization service layers to a plurality of network function virtualization apparatuses is further included.

Next, it further includes a step (S807) of determining an object communication service to be used by the mobile communication terminal for which the service is requested.

Subsequently, it further includes a step (S808) of determining a virtualization service layer set to correspond to the identified thing communication service.

Further, a step (S809) of requesting a service connection to a mobile communication terminal from a network function virtualization apparatus including a virtualization network node in the identified virtualization service layer (S809).

Next, it further includes a step (S811) of checking service state information of a network function virtualization apparatus providing an IoT service or location information of a mobile communication terminal.

In addition, if the service status information of the identified network function virtualization device or the location information of the mobile communication terminal satisfies the preset routing change condition, the virtual network node that is connected to the service is included in another network function virtualization device included in the same virtualization service layer. The step of changing to a virtual network node (S813, S815) is further included.

Hereinafter, a network function virtualization operation method performed by the network function virtualization operating apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

The virtualization network function unit 200 constituting a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N includes a guest OS program from the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 to the hardware resource 101 Alternatively, when the virtual resource 102 is allocated, it may be transferred to a plurality of virtual network nodes 210, 220, and 230 that perform functions of various network nodes.

The allocation of the hardware resource 101 or the virtual resource 102 is performed by the network function virtualization operation unit 300. After the virtualization control unit 330 constituting the network function virtualization operation unit 300 obtains the accommodation information for the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 currently being serviced by the virtualization network function unit 200, the service profile Hardware resources 101 or virtualization suitable for the virtualization network function unit 200 by referring to the service-specific profile stored in the storage unit 500 and the resource information of the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 managed by the virtualization infrastructure management unit 310 Resource 102 is allocated.

Therefore, if the profile for each service stored in the service profile storage unit 500 is updated in accordance with the change in the use pattern of the things communication terminals, the hardware resource 101 or the virtual resource 102 allocated to the virtual network function unit 200 is suitably used. You can change it.

To this end, the service pattern analysis unit 700 provides the service profile storage unit 500 with cluster characteristic information for allocating or reallocating hardware resources or virtual resources, and thus the service profile storage unit ( 500) can update the profile for each service.

The service pattern analysis unit 700 receives subscriber information including additional service information for the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 subscribed to the IoT service from the subscriber information management unit 400.

Then, the service pattern analysis unit 700 generates an additional service profile for each subscriber based on the subscriber information received through the subscriber information management unit 400.

In addition, the service pattern analysis unit 700 uses the virtualization control unit 330 to convert the usage pattern information of the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 collected by the virtualization network nodes 210, 220 and 230 of the virtualization network function unit 200. And input through the service profile storage unit 500. Things communication terminals have a data usage pattern specialized in service characteristics compared to general mobile communication terminals. For example, an object communication terminal for a measurement sensor installed for the purpose of measuring water or power consumption has little mobility and has characteristics optimized for periodic signaling. Alternatively, vehicle-mounted object communication terminals are characterized by relatively high mobility, and among them, the object communication terminal for vehicle status sensing is optimized for signaling, while the object communication terminal for receiving streaming services has a characteristic of high data traffic usage. . Due to these characteristics, IoT terminals have their own usage patterns, and such usage pattern information may be collected by the virtualization network nodes 210, 220, and 230 and input to the service pattern analysis unit 700.

Then, the service pattern analysis unit 700 classifies the use pattern information of the object communication terminals received by service characteristics, and generates and stores the use pattern information for each service. For example, when used for a measurement sensing service, a usage pattern of IoT terminals and when used for a streaming service may be separately classified and stored.

Next, the service pattern analysis unit 700 derives an expected usage pattern of a specific subscriber group by assembling additional service profiles for each subscriber, usage pattern information for each service, and accumulated usage pattern information. Subsequently, according to the derived predicted pattern of use of a specific group of subscribers, a cluster characteristic for allocating or reallocating a hardware resource or a virtual resource to the virtualization network function unit 200 is designated, and cluster characteristic information for the specified resource allocation or reallocation Is provided to the service profile storage unit 500. Accordingly, the service profile storage unit 500 updates a profile including characteristic information for each service, that is, a profile for each service, based on cluster characteristic information for resource allocation or reallocation. Therefore, the virtualization control unit 330 of the network function virtualization operation unit 300 is a service-specific profile stored in the service profile storage unit 500 and the resources of the network function virtualization infrastructure unit 100 managed by the virtualization infrastructure management unit 310 The hardware resources 101 or the virtual resources 102 suitable for the virtual network function unit 200 are allocated or re-allocated with reference to the information.

Meanwhile, the network function virtualization operation unit 300 constituting a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N includes a service-specific profile and network function stored in the service profile storage unit 500 Network function virtualization infrastructure of the virtualization infrastructure unit 100, that is, the hardware resource 101 and the virtual resource 102, and cluster characteristic information on the virtualization network nodes 210, 220, 230 of the virtualization network function unit 200 It transmits to the functional virtualization operating device 50, and the control unit 53 of the network function virtualization operating device 50 receives it (S801, S804). 3 illustrates a case in which service-specific profile and cluster characteristic information are separately received.

Thereafter, the controller 53 sets a plurality of IoT service groups based on the service-specific profile received in step S801. As described above, things communication terminals have a data usage pattern specialized in service characteristics compared to general mobile communication terminals. For example, an object communication terminal for a measurement sensor installed for the purpose of measuring water or power consumption has little mobility and has characteristics optimized for periodic signaling. Alternatively, vehicle-mounted object communication terminals are characterized by relatively high mobility, and among them, the object communication terminal for vehicle status sensing is optimized for signaling, while the object communication terminal for receiving streaming services has a characteristic of high data traffic usage. . For example, the controller 53 classifies the various IoT services into several IoT service groups according to service characteristics (S802).

In addition, the controller 53 generates a plurality of virtualization service layers corresponding to the previously classified IoT service group. In this case, the controller 53 may generate the same number of virtualization service layers as the number of IoT service groups set in step S802. For example, the first virtualization service layer may be created for an IoT communication terminal for a measurement sensor that performs periodic signaling, and the second virtualization service rayer may be created for a vehicle-mounted IoT communication terminal with high mobility, The third virtualization service layer may be created for an IoT communication terminal for receiving a streaming service with a large amount of data traffic.

Here, the control unit 53 stores service information on at least one thing communication service among the plurality of things communication services in the layer-specific information storage unit 52 in correspondence to a plurality of virtualization service layers. For example, information on an IoT communication service having suitable service characteristics for each virtualization service layer among a plurality of IoT communication services may be correspondingly stored (S803).

Next, in step S804, the control unit 53 determines the hardware resources, virtual resources, and cluster characteristic information for the virtual network nodes received from the plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N. Based on this, hardware resources, virtual resources, and virtual network nodes to configure each of the plurality of virtualization service layers are determined. Here, suitable hardware resources, virtual resources, and virtual network nodes are determined according to service characteristics of an IoT communication service corresponding to the virtualization service layers generated in step S803. The virtualization network nodes 210, 220, and 230 may be included in the same network function virtualization device or in different network function virtualization devices. In addition, any one virtualization network node, for example, the virtualization MME 210 may be configured with a combination of virtual machines included in different network function virtualization devices. Accordingly, if the virtualization service layer to be configured is a layer for providing a streaming service, the controller 53 may configure a corresponding virtualization service layer as network hardware capable of providing a high-speed and large-capacity data streaming service. In addition, the control unit 53 stores setting information for a plurality of virtualization service layers in the layer setting information storage unit 51. At this time, the control unit 53 sets a virtualization transmission network used for communication between different network function virtualization devices on the same virtualization service layer, and stores setting information on the virtualization transmission network in the layer setting information storage unit 51 together. Do (S805).

Then, the control unit 53 provides the setting information for the plurality of virtualization service layers determined in step S805 to the plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N, whereby the plurality of networks A plurality of virtualization service layers will be operated by collaboration between the network function virtualization operation unit 300 and the network function virtualization operation device 50 included in the function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N. Can be (S806).

In this way, when the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 request location registration and connection through the base station 30 in a state in which a plurality of virtualization service layers are established through steps S803 and S805, the network function virtualization operation device 50 Is received through the wireless access service recognition gateway 40, and the control unit 53 of the network function virtualization operation device 50 identifies an object communication service to be used by the service-requested mobile communication terminals 21 and 22. Here, the control unit 53 stores a plurality of network function virtualization apparatuses 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N for each subscriber-specific additional service profile corresponding to the subscriber information of the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 requested for the service. ), and based on the additional service profile for each subscriber generated by the service pattern analysis unit 700, the object communication service to be used by the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 may be identified. For example, if service acceptance information for the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 is previously stored in the network function virtualization operating device 50, the controller 53 may be configured to provide a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10 based on the previously stored service accommodation information. -1, 10-2, …, 10-N), the network function virtualization device that manages the subscriber information of the mobile communication terminal 21, 22 can be identified, and the additional service profile for each subscriber is provided to the identified network function virtualization device. Can be requested (S807).

Next, the control unit 53 identifies a virtualization service layer set to correspond to the previously identified thing communication service. Here, the control unit 53 includes a hardware resource 101 and a virtual resource 102 suitable for providing a corresponding thing communication service based on the setting information on the virtual transmission network stored in the layer setting information storage unit 51, and a virtual network. Nodes 210, 220, and 230 are identified (S808).

And, the control unit 53 is a mobile communication terminal to a network function virtualization device including a virtualization network node in the previously identified virtualization service layer among a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N. Request a service connection to (21, 22). Then, the virtualization network nodes 210, 220, 230 interwork with the hardware resources 101 and the virtual resources 102 included together in the virtualization service layer included therein to provide an object communication service to the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22. Will be provided. Here, the virtualization network nodes 210, 220, and 230 interworking for an IoT service may be included in the same network function virtualization device or in different network function virtualization devices. In addition, any one virtualization network node, for example, virtualization MME 210 may be composed of a combination of virtual machines included in different network function virtualization devices, and virtualization MME 210 and virtualization SGW 220 and virtualization PGW Each 230 may be included in a different network function virtualization device (S809).

On the other hand, when requesting a service connection to the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 from the network function virtualization apparatus, the control unit 53, if the location information of the service requested mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 is included in a preset area, Network function virtualization devices (10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N) of the virtual network nodes (210, 220, 230) included in a specific network function virtualization device for mobile communication terminals (21, 22) Request service connection. For example, among a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N, an enterprise network function virtualization device may request a service connection to the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22.

Next, the routing change processing unit 54 checks service state information of a network function virtualization apparatus providing an IoT service or location information of a mobile communication terminal. For example, the service status information of the network function virtualization device can be checked through the report when a plurality of network function virtualization devices (10-1, 10-2, …, 10-N) reports on the occurrence of load distribution or an abnormal situation. There is (S811).

Here, the routing change processing unit 54 determines whether the information checked in step S811 satisfies a preset routing change condition. For example, the routing change processing unit 54 may determine that the routing change condition is satisfied if load distribution is required or an abnormal situation occurs according to the service state information. Alternatively, the routing change processing unit 54 may determine that the routing change condition is satisfied when the location information of the mobile communication terminals 21 and 22 is out of a preset area (S813).

In addition, as a result of the determination of step S813, the routing change processing unit 54 changes the virtual network node being connected to the service to a virtual network node included in another network function virtualization device included in the same virtualization service layer when the preset routing change condition is satisfied. do. For example, among a plurality of network function virtualization devices 10-1, 10-2, ..., 10-N, the virtualization network nodes 210, 220, 230 included in a specific network function virtualization device may be It may be changed to the included virtual network node (210, 220, 230) (S815).

As described so far, according to an embodiment of the present invention, in operating a plurality of network function virtualization apparatuses including a virtualization network node that performs a function of a network node by receiving clustered hardware resources and virtual resources, a plurality of By setting and operating a virtualization service layer, the optimal network function virtualization infrastructure and virtual network node are used according to the IoT service to be used by the mobile communication terminal.

In particular, when the service state or the location of the mobile communication terminal is changed during the provision of the IoT service, it can be changed to the optimal virtual network node for the service accordingly.

Accordingly, it is possible to efficiently operate a plurality of virtualization network devices that can be spaced apart from each other at remote locations.

Combinations of each block in the block diagram attached to the present specification and each step in the flowchart may be performed by computer program instructions. Since these computer program instructions can be mounted on the processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing equipment, the instructions executed by the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing equipment are shown in each block or flowchart of the block diagram. Each step creates a means to perform the functions described. These computer program instructions can also be stored in computer-usable or computer-readable memory that can be directed to a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to implement a function in a particular way, so that the computer-usable or computer-readable memory It is also possible to produce an article of manufacture in which the instructions stored in the block diagram contain instruction means for performing the functions described in each block or flow chart. Computer program instructions can also be mounted on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment, so a series of operating steps are performed on a computer or other programmable data processing equipment to create a computer-executable process to create a computer or other programmable data processing equipment. It is also possible for the instructions to perform the processing equipment to provide steps for performing the functions described in each block of the block diagram and each step of the flowchart.

In addition, each block or each step may represent a module, segment, or part of code comprising one or more executable instructions for executing the specified logical function(s). In addition, it should be noted that in some alternative embodiments, functions mentioned in blocks or steps may occur out of order. For example, two blocks or steps shown in succession may in fact be performed substantially simultaneously, or the blocks or steps may sometimes be performed in the reverse order depending on the corresponding function.

The above description is merely illustrative of the technical idea of the present invention, and those of ordinary skill in the art to which the present invention pertains will be able to make various modifications and variations without departing from the essential characteristics of the present invention. Accordingly, the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are not intended to limit the technical idea of the present invention, but to explain the technical idea, and the scope of the technical idea of the present invention is not limited by these embodiments. The scope of protection of the present invention should be interpreted by the following claims, and all technical ideas within the scope equivalent thereto should be construed as being included in the scope of the present invention.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, in operating a plurality of network function virtualization devices including a virtualization network node that performs a function of a network node by receiving clustered hardware resources and virtual resources, a plurality of virtualization service layers are set. And operation, so that an optimal network function virtualization infrastructure and a virtual network node are used according to the IoT service to be used by the mobile communication terminal.

The present invention provides not only EPS/LTE systems, but also WCDMA (Wideband Code Division Multiple Access) systems, IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem), GSM (Global System for Mobile) systems, and CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) systems through network function virtualization. Alternatively, it can be used in a technical field that provides an IoT service to an IoT communication terminal by implementing a Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) system.

10-1, 10-2,… , 10-N: Network function virtualization device
50: network function virtualization operating device
51: layer setting information storage unit
52: information storage unit for each layer
53: control unit
54: routing change processing unit
100: Network function virtualization infrastructure unit
200: virtual network function unit
300: Network function virtualization operation unit
400: subscriber information management department
500: service profile storage unit
600: OSS (Operation Support System)
700: service pattern analysis unit

Claims (8)

The hardware resources and the virtual resources included in at least two network function virtualization devices among a plurality of network function virtualization devices including a virtualization network node that performs a function of a network node by receiving clustered hardware resources and virtual resources, and the A layer setting information storage unit in which a virtualization network node is set as one virtualization service layer, and setting information for a plurality of the virtualization service layers is stored,
In correspondence with the plurality of virtualization service layers, an information storage unit for each layer storing service information for at least one thing communication service among a plurality of things communication services,
In response to the object communication service to be used by the service-requested mobile communication terminal, the virtualization service layer stored in the layer-specific information storage unit is identified, and the network function virtualization device including the virtualization network node in the identified virtualization service layer A control unit requesting a service connection to a mobile communication terminal;
When the service state information of the network function virtualization device providing the IoT service or the location information of the mobile communication terminal satisfies a preset routing change condition, the virtual network node being connected to the service is included in the same virtualization service layer. Including a routing change processing unit for changing to a virtual network node included in the functional virtualization device
Network function virtualization operating device.
The method of claim 1,
The routing change processing unit determines that the routing change condition is satisfied when load distribution is required or an abnormal situation occurs according to the service state information.
Network function virtualization operating device.
The method of claim 1,
The routing change processing unit determines that the routing change condition is satisfied when the location information of the mobile communication terminal is out of a preset area.
Network function virtualization operating device.
The method of claim 3,
When the location information of the mobile communication terminal requested for the service is included in the preset area, the control unit connects the service to the mobile communication terminal to the virtualization network node included in a specific network function virtualization device among a plurality of network function virtualization devices. To request
Network function virtualization operating device.
A method in which a network function virtualization operation device operates a plurality of network function virtualization devices including a virtualization network node that performs a function of a network node by receiving clustered hardware resources and virtual resources,
Identifying an object communication service to be used by the service-requested mobile communication terminal;
In a state in which the hardware resource, the virtual resource, and the virtualization network node included in at least two network function virtualization devices among the plurality of network function virtualization devices are set as one virtualization service layer, and a plurality of the virtualization service layers are set. , Identifying a virtualization service layer set corresponding to the identified thing communication service, and
Requesting a service connection to the mobile communication terminal from the network function virtualization device including the virtualization network node in the identified virtualization service layer;
When the service state information of the network function virtualization device providing the IoT service or the location information of the mobile communication terminal satisfies a preset routing change condition, the virtual network node being connected to the service is included in the same virtualization service layer. Including the step of changing to a virtualization network node included in the functional virtualization device
How to operate network function virtualization.
The method of claim 5,
According to the service state information, if load distribution is necessary or an abnormal situation occurs, it is determined that the routing change condition is satisfied.
How to operate network function virtualization.
The method of claim 5,
Determining that the routing change condition is satisfied when the location information of the mobile communication terminal is out of a preset area
How to operate network function virtualization.
The method of claim 7,
The step of requesting a service connection to the mobile communication terminal may include the virtualization included in a specific network function virtualization device among a plurality of network function virtualization devices when the location information of the service-requested mobile communication terminal is included in the preset area. Requesting a service connection to the mobile communication terminal from a network node
How to operate network function virtualization.

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