TWI691183B - Backup method applied in virtual network function and system using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

The disclosure provides a backup method applied in virtual network function and system using the same method. The method includes: calculating, by a server broker, a number of backups needed by each of virtual network functions which are being used; using a software defined network mechanism in OpenFlow protocol to control real network switches to complete route allocation of a backup algorithm. The sever broker uses a heartbeat detector to monitor the status of virtual network function.

Description

Backup method and system applied to virtual network function

The present invention relates to a backup mechanism for virtual network functions, and particularly relates to a backup method and system applied to virtual network functions.

The current method for providing high availability in information equipment clusters is to set a fixed number of backups in a known environment, such as machines and equipment in use or the number of backups, to achieve a high availability system architecture.

Previous patented technologies such as Republic of China Patent Nos. I476581 or I312942 both mentioned similar high-availability system data service concepts, but neither of them considered the situation when a backup exception occurred.

In view of the shortcomings derived from the above-mentioned conventional methods, the inventor of the present case is anxious to improve and innovate, and successfully developed the design and calculation of the backup algorithm used in the virtual network function and the setting of the backup data path.

The purpose of the present invention is to propose a design and calculation of a backup algorithm for high-availability cluster system architecture and the path configuration of its backup data, and use the heartbeat detector to determine whether the path of the backup data needs to be recalculated. Moreover, the backup method applied to the virtual network function of the present invention not only uses the heartbeat detector to monitor the status of the virtual network function in its cluster system architecture, but also considers the handling of abnormal conditions, and uses SDN technology to complete the backup calculation The distribution of law.

The second object of the present invention is to provide a friendly HTTP interface dashboard to input system environment data, so that the high availability cluster system architecture can automatically complete the calculation of the backup algorithm and the data path allocation, using SDN technology to achieve Guide the path of data flow.

To achieve the above-mentioned invention, the configuration of the backup method applied to the virtual network function requires a system architecture module that detects the overall cluster to count whether to re-plan the backup data path, and uses various notification system mechanisms to cooperate with this case. The calculation of the backup algorithm is used to complete the replanning and distribution of the backup.

The system of the backup method applied to the virtual network function proposed by the present invention includes: a dashboard, an environmental data database, a server agent (Broker), an SDN controller, an SDN switch, and a plurality of Virtual network function (Virtual Network Function; VNF), and a task control database. The server agent program includes a heartbeat master detector and a backup algorithm. Each virtual network function includes a heartbeat detector.

The present invention is to use an interface dashboard to input the environmental data necessary for the system architecture when the user wants to activate the high availability cluster architecture of the virtual network function. After the user completes the initial activation of the virtual network function of the high availability cluster system architecture, the server is notified The agent agent is in its ready state. The server agent program executes the backup algorithm based on the environmental data. Based on the calculation result of the backup algorithm, the virtual network function of the cluster system architecture requests the responsible fragment service data and the redundant fragment service data from the task management and control database. The server agent requests the data path of the cluster structure and the redundant data flow path from the environmental data database to the SDN controller, and then the SDN controller completes the path establishment through the OpenFlow protocol. The server agent uses the heartbeat detector to monitor the virtual network function status in its cluster system architecture.

In order to make the above-mentioned features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and understandable, the embodiments are specifically described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings for detailed description as follows.

The present invention is aimed at the user attribution server database of the core packet network evolution of the new generation of 5G mobile communications as a component of development and design, so a general backup algorithm for virtual network functions is derived, and the difference lies in the present invention When an abnormality occurs in a member of the cluster system architecture, the heartbeat detector can be used to determine whether it is necessary to reallocate the path of supporting data.

The invention is a backup method applied to a virtual network function. When a user wants to start a high-availability cluster system architecture of a virtual network function, a dashboard is used to input environmental data necessary for the cluster system architecture to an environmental data database and a server agent program Then, the backup algorithm is executed according to the environmental data, and the SDN controller is transmitted to the data path of the cluster system architecture of the environmental data database and the backup data flow path. The SDN controller then completes the path setting through the OpenFlow protocol. When an exception occurs to a member of the database cluster system architecture, the server agent program updates the environmental data database and determines whether to update the redundant data path.

FIG. 1 is a system architecture diagram of a backup method applied to a virtual network function of the present invention, including: a dashboard 100, an environmental data database 200, a server agent 300, an SDN controller 400, an SDN switch 500, and a plurality of Virtual network function 600, and task management database 700. The server agent 300 includes a heartbeat master detector 310 and a backup algorithm 320. Each virtual network function 600 includes a heartbeat detector 610.

First, the user uses the dashboard 100 to input the environmental data necessary for the cluster system architecture in the environmental data database 200, and the environmental data database 200 aggregates the input environmental data into the environmental data necessary for the system architecture to start the high availability cluster system architecture. Virtual network function 600. After the initial startup of the environmental data database 200, the server agent 300 is notified of its ready state. The server agent 300 executes the backup algorithm 320 according to the environmental data, and notifies the virtual network function according to the calculation result of the backup algorithm 320 600 asks the task management database 700 for the fragment service data and the redundant fragment service data for which the virtual network function 600 is responsible.

Then, the server agent 300 provides the SDN controller 400 with the data path of the cluster system architecture requested from the environmental data database 200 and its redundant data flow path, and then the SDN controller 400 uses the OpenFlow protocol to the SDN switch 500 Complete the establishment of the data path.

The following describes the abnormal operation of the virtual network function cluster system architecture.

Referring to FIG. 1, the virtual network function 600 will return a heartbeat message to the heartbeat master detector 310 of the server agent 300 at a fixed time set. The dotted line in the figure indicates the progress of the heartbeat message.

Please refer to FIG. 2, in step 2001, the virtual network function cluster architecture is in operation. In step 2002, whether the heartbeat master detector receives the heartbeat confirmation message. In one embodiment, assuming that an abnormality detection occurs in the virtual network function M, the heartbeat master detector 310 does not receive a heartbeat confirmation message from the heartbeat detector m of the virtual network function M within a set tolerance period and times , The server agent 300 actively sends a confirmation message (for example, "Hello" message) to confirm the status of the virtual network function M (step S2003), and confirm whether there is an operational backup virtual network function M' (Step S2004).

If there is an operational backup virtual network function M', the server agent 300 notifies the backup algorithm 320 to send a failure message (such as a "fail" message) to the SDN controller 400 (step S2005). The controller 400 issues a command to change the data path of the SDN switch 500 regarding the abnormal virtual network function M, so that the data flow of the virtual network function M is directed to its backup virtual network function M'(step S2006).

If the virtual network function M is abnormal and there is no operational backup virtual network function, the server agent 300 calls the backup algorithm 320 (step 2007) to recalculate the backup of the currently used virtual network function 600 (Step 2008). After the backup algorithm 320 completes the calculation (step 2009), the server agent 300 notifies the virtual network function 600 to request new service segment information from the task management database 700 (step 2010), and also notifies the backup algorithm 320 to send a An update message (such as an "update" message) is given to the SDN controller 400 to notify the SDN controller 400 to redistribute the data stream according to the calculation result of the backup algorithm 320, and the SDN controller 400 issues a command to change the SDN switch 500 regarding the abnormal virtual network. The data path of the path function M (step 2011) directs the data flow of the virtual network function M to its redundant virtual network function M'(step 2012).

(1) 假設

為單一虛擬網路功能600損毀之機率，

為用戶所要求之叢集架構可信度，叢集系統架構中具有

個虛擬網路功能600，

為每一個虛擬網路功能600所需要之備援數量，其中

、

及

為用戶利用儀表板100所輸入之環境系統參數。其表示，當目前使用中之虛擬網路功能600及其備援之架構成員皆無法支撐整個服務架構時的可信度要大於

，透過公式(1)，將會計算出每個虛擬網路功能600所需要的備援數量

。 The following describes the backup algorithm, first please refer to the following formula (1):

(1) Assumption

The probability of a single virtual network function 600 being damaged,

For the reliability of the cluster architecture required by the user, the cluster system architecture has

600 virtual network functions,

The number of backups required for each virtual network function 600, of which

,

and

For the user to use the environmental system parameters entered by the dashboard 100. It said that when the currently used virtual network function 600 and its redundant architecture members cannot support the entire service architecture, the reliability is greater than

, Through formula (1), the number of backups required for each virtual network function 600 will be calculated

.

，以雜湊演算法公式(2)、公式(3)來指定分配當前使用中虛擬網路功能600之備援架構成員。 Then, find the number of backups required for each virtual network function 600

Use the formula (2) and formula (3) of the hash algorithm to specify the members of the backup architecture that allocate the currently used virtual network function 600.

(2) In an embodiment, if X is an even number, the X redundant HSS VMs are:

(2)

(3) In another embodiment, if X is an odd number, the X redundant HSS VMs are:

(3)

為指標，指向當前使用中之虛擬網路功能600，而

為分配

之備援架構成員。 Suppose

Is a pointer to the currently used virtual network function 600, and

For distribution

Member of the backup framework.

虛擬網路功能600之前後對稱相對數量。舉例而言，若叢集系統架構中的虛擬網路功能600數量

為五個，每一個虛擬網路功能600所需要之備援數量

為二個，其

目前指向第三個系統成員，因此其備援成員為第二個與第四個系統成員，依此類推。 Formula (2) indicates that if the number of backups required for each virtual network function 600 in the cluster system architecture is calculated as an even number, that is, its backup members are pointed to

The virtual network function 600 has a symmetric relative number before and after. For example, if the number of virtual network functions in the cluster system architecture is 600

Five, the number of backups required for each virtual network function 600

For two, its

It currently points to the third system member, so its backup members are the second and fourth system members, and so on.

之前後對稱相對數量與指標向後之成員加一。舉例而言，若叢集系統架構中虛擬網路功能600數量

為五個，每一個虛擬網路功能600所需要之備援數量

為二個，其

目前指向第二個系統成員，因此其備援成員為第二個、第三個與第四個系統成員，依此類推。 Formula (3) indicates that if the number of backups required for the virtual network function 600 of the cluster system architecture is calculated as an odd number, that is, its backup members are pointed to

The relative quantity before and after the symmetric relative indicator increases by one. For example, if the number of virtual network functions in the cluster system architecture is 600

Five, the number of backups required for each virtual network function 600

For two, its

It currently points to the second system member, so its backup members are the second, third, and fourth system members, and so on.

[Features and effects]

The conventional technique is mainly to manually set the backup data path of the cluster system architecture. The backup method and system applied to the virtual network function of the present invention have the following advantages when compared with other conventional technologies:

1. The present invention uses a simple hash algorithm to calculate the backup of the cluster system architecture members.

2. The present invention uses SDN technology to achieve automatic backup data flow for members of the cluster system architecture.

3. The present invention can detect the abnormal state of the members of the virtual network function cluster system architecture through the heartbeat detector, and then decide whether to re-plan the backup path.

4. The present invention is designed for the convenience of users by designing an HTTP interface dashboard so that users can easily operate the initial settings and observe the data flow path of the current cluster system architecture and the status of members of the current cluster system architecture.

Although the present invention has been disclosed as above with examples, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person with ordinary knowledge in the technical field can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be subject to the scope defined in the appended patent application.

100: dashboard

200: Environmental data database

300: server agent

310: Heartbeat main detector

320: backup algorithm

400: SDN controller

500: SDN switch

600: virtual network function

610: Heartbeat detector

700: Mission control database

M: Abnormal virtual network function

M’: redundant virtual network function

m: Heartbeat detector for abnormal virtual network function

2001 ~ 2012: Abnormal operation of virtual network function cluster architecture

FIG. 1 is a system architecture diagram of a backup method applied to a virtual network function of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a flowchart of abnormal operation of the virtual network function cluster architecture.

100: dashboard

200: Environmental data database

300: server agent

310: Heartbeat main detector

320: backup algorithm

400: SDN controller

500: SDN switch

600: virtual network function

610: Heartbeat detector

700: Mission control database

M: Abnormal virtual network function

M’: redundant virtual network function

m: Heartbeat detector for abnormal virtual network function

Claims (5)

A backup system applied to virtual network functions, including: a server agent program, used to calculate the number of backups required by each virtual network function in use in response to the environment and the range of its data fragments, monitoring cluster system The status of the members of the architecture and the notification of information updates between various components. The server agent includes: a heartbeat master detector, which is responsible for sending periodic heartbeat confirmation messages to the members of the cluster system architecture. If the cluster system architecture occurs If an exception is found in a member, the environment data database will be reported to update the abnormal system state of the member; a software defined network (SDN) controller is an open source controller that supports the OpenFlow protocol. The execution result of the server agent program establishes a data path to the physical network switch supporting SDN through the OpenFlow protocol; a dashboard for users to input environmental data, wherein the environmental data including the operation of the cluster system architecture is trusted Degree, the probability of failure of the virtual network function to cause abnormal operation and the total number of virtual network functions, and can provide the current status of the data path; an environmental data database, an independent open source database, Responsible for the distribution rules of accessing fragmented data, the distribution rules of the environmental data and backup, each of which the virtual network functions include: a heartbeat detector, which is responsible for regularly reporting the confirmation message of the heartbeat to the cluster A member of the system architecture, if an exception occurs to a member of the cluster system architecture, the environmental data database will be reported to update the abnormal system state of the member; a plurality of virtual network functions, which form a member of the cluster system architecture ; A task management database, a centralized open source database, access to the information content of system services; and an SDN switch, a physical network switch that supports SDN, according to the server of the SDN controller Command to create the data path and backup data flow path. The system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein the server agent program further includes: a program that supports the algorithm, based on the setting of the environmental data, calculating the virtual network function in response to the environment for each use Number of data backup. The system as described in item 1 of the patent application scope, wherein each of the virtual network functions further includes: a process of detecting the initial activation of the machine, and after a member of the cluster system architecture completes booting according to the environmental data, each member returns The server agent program is completed when the power is turned on. A backup method applied to a virtual network function, which is characterized by using environmental data provided by a client to provide cluster backup calculation and data flow distribution. The backup method includes: A. When a user wants to start a virtual network When using a functional cluster system architecture, use the dashboard to enter the necessary environmental data for the cluster system architecture; B. Use an environmental data database to aggregate the environmental data input from the dashboard into the necessary environmental data for the cluster system architecture; C. Continue to enable the user to activate the member of the virtual network function of the cluster system architecture, and then complete the initial Start, it will notify a server agent of its ready status; D. At the same time as step C, the server agent executes a backup algorithm based on the environmental data; E. Use the calculation result of the backup algorithm to make the The database of the cluster system architecture requests responsible fragment service data and its redundant fragment service data from the task control database; F. At the same time as step E, the server agent requests the data of the cluster system architecture from the environmental data database The path and its redundant data flow path are given to an SDN controller, and then the SDN controller completes the establishment of the data path through the OpenFlow protocol; G. uses the heartbeat detector to monitor the system status of the members of the cluster system architecture; H. The members of the cluster system architecture will return a heartbeat message to the heartbeat master detector of the server agent at a fixed time; I. If a member of the cluster system architecture is abnormal, the server agent should The heartbeat master detector can tolerate a set number of times that the same member of the cluster system architecture has not received a heartbeat confirmation message; J. If the cluster system architecture has not been received within the set tolerance period and number of times The heartbeat confirmation message of the same member of the server, the server agent actively sends a confirmation message to confirm the status of the cluster system architecture member; K. If the confirmation message in step J does not respond to the server agent , It is determined that a member of the cluster system architecture has failed; L. According to step K, the server data is updated by the server agent program, so that the status of the member of the cluster system architecture that is abnormal occurs is set to abnormal; M. The server agent confirms whether there is an operational backup virtual network function for the member of the cluster system architecture where the exception occurs; N. Following step M, if there is an operational backup virtual network function, the server The agent agent sends a failure message to the SDN controller; and O. Following step N, the SDN controller establishes an abnormal backup data path for the members of the cluster system architecture based on the initial allocation to the environment path setting. The backup method as described in item 4 of the patent application scope, wherein the server agent program confirms whether the member of the cluster system architecture in which the exception occurs has an operational backup virtual network function including: A. If There is no operational backup data machine, the server agent calls a backup algorithm to recalculate the backup of the members of the cluster system architecture currently in use; B. Following step A, in the backup algorithm After completing the calculation results, the server The management process notifies the members of the cluster system architecture currently in use to request new service segment information from the task management database; C. Following step B, after the backup algorithm completes the calculation result, the server agent sends An update message is given to the SDN controller; and D. Following step C, the server agent requests the redistributed path result from the environmental data database to the SDN controller, and the SDN controller establishes the remaining cluster in use The backup data path of the members of the system architecture.

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