WO2020233294A1

WO2020233294A1 - System and method for implementing virtualized network function (vnf) management

Info

Publication number: WO2020233294A1
Application number: PCT/CN2020/085053
Authority: WO
Inventors: 黄强
Original assignee: 中兴通讯股份有限公司
Priority date: 2019-05-20
Filing date: 2020-04-16
Publication date: 2020-11-26
Also published as: CN111966444A

Abstract

A system and method for implementing virtualized network function (VNF) management. The system for implementing VNF management comprises: an adapter distribution module, a management and orchestration (MANO) access module, and a micro-VNF management access module. The adapter distribution module is configured to receive a user-triggered VNF management request, and call a REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF management request to an MANO system in the case of deploying the VNF based on the MANO system, or call a REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the VNF management request to a micro cloud device in the case of deploying the VNF based on the micro cloud device.

Description

System and method for realizing virtualized network function VNF management

This application claims the priority of the Chinese patent application filed with the Chinese Patent Office with application number 201910419803.3 on May 20, 2019. The entire content of this application is incorporated into this application by reference.

Technical field

The present disclosure relates to network function virtualization in the communication field, for example, to a system and method for realizing virtualized network function VNF management.

Background technique

In the communications field, with the growth of business and traffic pressure, the demand for the deployment of a large number of expensive dedicated network equipment has increased, and as the Internet provides users with multiple application services (Over The Top, OTT) services through the Internet, operators have fallen. Because of the trend of cheap pipelines, traditional networks face challenges in scheduling, management, operating costs, and low utilization rates.

With the development of Information Technology (IT) virtualization technology and data center technology, the development of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) has been supported. NFV uses standard hardware as the basis, and runs software that implements network functions on virtual machines to replace traditional physical devices. NFV has all the advantages and disadvantages of software development, but on the whole, NFV will become a trend in network function research and development.

Management and Orchestration (MANO) in the NFV system architecture is responsible for the orchestration and management of virtualized network functions (Virtualized Network Function, VNF). In the Software-defined Wide Area Network (SDWAN) business scenario, VNFs are orchestrated and managed by deploying the MANO system in the data center, but the cost of deploying the MANO system cannot be borne by SMEs. In the case of small and medium-sized enterprises, in order to reduce costs, network function virtualization can be realized by deploying VNFs on "micro-cloud devices" (a method that integrates routing and switching boards and x86 boards as one device); therefore, due to lack of The MANO system requires the SDWAN business system to implement "micro-cloud devices" for the orchestration and management of VNFs, such as native kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) commands that use virtualization technology to complete the life of the VNF Cycle management.

It can be seen that in SDWAN business scenarios, different deployment scenarios need to be distinguished to distinguish different VNF orchestration and management methods, which leads to the need to implement multiple solutions for VNF management, which increases R&D and maintenance costs, and also increases NFV. The difficulty of standardization of technology.

Summary of the invention

The embodiment of the present invention provides a system for realizing virtualized network function VNF management, including: an adapter distribution module, a management and orchestration MANO access module, and a micro-VNF management access module;

The MANO access module is configured to provide the REST interface of the MANO system;

The micro-VNF management access module is configured to provide the REST standard interface of the micro-cloud device;

The adapter distribution module is configured to receive a VNF management request triggered by a user, and when the VNF is deployed based on the MANO system, call the REST interface to send the VNF management request to the MANO system,

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a microcloud device, calling the REST standard interface to send the VNF management request to the microcloud device;

Wherein, a VNF software package is stored on the MANO system and the microcloud device.

The embodiment of the present invention also provides a method for realizing virtualized network function VNF management, including:

The adapter distribution module receives the VNF management request triggered by the user;

In the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the management and orchestration REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF management request to the MANO system,

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls a REST standard interface provided by the micro VNF management access module to send the VNF management request to the micro cloud device;

Description of the drawings

1 is a schematic structural diagram of a system for implementing VNF management of a virtualized network function provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

2 is a schematic structural diagram of a system for implementing VNF management of a virtualized network function provided by another embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a schematic flowchart of a method for implementing VNF management of a virtualized network function provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a schematic flowchart of a method for implementing VNF management of a virtualized network function according to another embodiment of the present invention;

5 is a schematic flowchart of a method for implementing VNF management of a virtualized network function according to another embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a schematic flowchart of a method for implementing VNF management of a virtualized network function according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed ways

Hereinafter, the embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the case of no conflict, the embodiments in the application and the features in the embodiments can be combined with each other arbitrarily.

The steps shown in the flowchart of the drawings may be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions. Also, although a logical sequence is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be performed in a different order than here.

The SDWAN business system uses different methods for VNF management in the MANO system and micro-cloud equipment, which leads to the need to implement multiple solutions for VNF management, which increases the cost of R&D and maintenance, and also increases the difficulty of standardization of NFV technology.

However, because the SDWAN business system unifies the human-computer interaction interface presented to users, and with the development and application of microservice technology and virtualization technology, as well as the standardization of Representational State Transfer (REST) interface specifications, It is possible to solve the above problems.

The embodiment of the present invention provides a system and method for realizing VNF management of virtualized network functions. In two different scenarios of deploying VNF in the MANO system and deploying VNF services on micro-cloud devices, it can follow the standard and unified REST interface to realize the VNF The management of SDWAN has reduced the research and development costs of SDWAN services and the maintenance costs of SDWAN services.

Fig. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a system for implementing virtualized network function VNF management provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 1, the system includes:

Adapter distribution module, management and orchestration MANO access module and micro-VNF management access module;

The MANO access module is configured to provide a REST interface for expressive state transfer of the MANO system;

The adapter distribution module is configured to receive a VNF management request triggered by a user, and in the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, call the REST interface to send the VNF management request to the MANO system, or to deploy the VNF based on a micro-cloud device In the case of VNF, call the REST standard interface to send the VNF management request to the micro cloud device;

Compared with related technologies, the technical solution provided by the embodiments of the present invention realizes the standardization of interfaces managed in the VNF, and at the same time reduces the research and development cost of the SDWAN service and the maintenance cost of the SDWAN service.

Wherein, the system further includes: a VNF software package import module;

The VNF software package import module is configured to receive a software package import request triggered by a user and send the software package import request to the adapter distribution module, the software package import request carrying the VNF software package to be imported;

The adapter distribution module is further configured to call the REST interface to send the software package import request to the MANO system when the VNF is deployed based on the MANO system;

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a microcloud device, call the REST standard interface to send the software package import request to the microcloud device.

Wherein, the VNF software package is a general VNF software package or a VNF software package generated by a user using network function virtualization orchestration NFVO, and the VNF software package is set to realize the management of the VNF.

Wherein, the system further includes: a VNF software package arrangement module;

The VNF software package orchestration module is configured to receive an orchestration instruction input by a user, and call NFVO to generate a VNF software package.

Wherein, the VNF management request includes one of the following:

VNF instantiation request, VNF life cycle management request.

Fig. 2 is a schematic structural diagram of a system for implementing virtualized network function VNF management provided by another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 2, the system includes:

The adapter distribution module is configured to receive a VNF management request triggered by a user, and in the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, call the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF management request to the MANO system, so that VNF management is performed on the MANO system;

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro cloud device, call the REST standard interface provided by the micro VNF management access module to send the VNF management request to the micro cloud device, so as to perform VNF management on the micro cloud device ；

Wherein, the system further includes: a VNF software package import module;

The adapter distribution module is further configured to call the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the software package import request to the MANO system when the VNF is deployed based on the MANO system. Save the VNF software package;

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, call the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the software package import request to the micro-cloud device, so that it can be installed on the micro-cloud device Save the VNF software package.

Wherein, the VNF software package is a general VNF software package or a VNF software package generated by a user using network function virtualization orchestration NFVO.

Wherein, in the case that the VNF management request is a VNF instantiation request, the adapter distribution module is configured to receive a VNF instantiation request triggered by a user, and the VNF instantiation request carries the VNF software package that needs to be instantiated The identification and instantiation parameters of;

In the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, calling the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF instantiation request to the MANO system, so as to perform VNF instantiation on the MANO system;

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, call the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the VNF instantiation request to the micro-cloud device, so that the VNF can be performed on the micro-cloud device Instantiate.

Wherein, the adapter distribution module, before receiving the VNF instantiation request triggered by the user, is further configured to receive the VNF software package query request triggered by the user, and when the VNF is deployed based on the MANO system, call the MANO access The REST interface provided by the module sends the VNF package query request to the MANO system, and receives the VNF package list returned by the MANO system through the REST interface provided by the MANO access module. The computer interactive interface displays the VNF software package list, so that the user can select the VNF software package to be instantiated and input the instantiation parameters to send and trigger the VNF instantiation request;

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro cloud device, call the REST standard interface provided by the micro VNF management access module to send the query VNF software package request to the micro cloud device, and receive the micro cloud device The VNF software package list is returned through the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module, and the VNF software package list is displayed through the human-computer interaction interface of the system for the user to select the VNF software package to be instantiated and After inputting the instantiation parameters, send and trigger the VNF instantiation request.

Wherein, in the case that the VNF management request is a VNF life cycle management request, the adapter distribution module is configured to receive the VNF life cycle management request triggered by the user, and when the VNF is deployed based on the MANO system, call The REST interface provided by the MANO access module sends the VNF life cycle management request to the MANO system so as to perform VNF life cycle management on the MANO system;

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, call the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the VNF life cycle management request to the micro-cloud device, so that the micro-cloud device VNF life cycle management on the Internet.

Wherein, the MANO access module is set to provide a REST interface of the MANO system through the MANO system to access microservices;

The micro-VNF management access module is set to provide a REST standard interface for micro-cloud devices to access micro-services through micro-cloud devices.

The adapter distribution module is configured to call the REST interface of the MANO system provided by the MANO system access microservice or the REST standard interface of the microcloud device provided by the microcloud device access microservice through the adapter microservice.

Wherein, the system further includes: an element management (Element Management, EM) network element, the EM network element is created after the VNF is instantiated by the system, and the EM network element is set to manage the VNF;

The adapter distribution module is configured to send the VNF management request to the EM network element through the adapter microservice when the received VNF management request is sent to the EM network element;

Or, in the case of sending the received VNF management request to the MANO system, call the MANO system to access the MANO system provided by the MANO system through the adapter microservice and send it to the MANO system ；

Or, in the case of sending the received VNF management request to the micro-cloud device, call the micro-cloud device to access the REST standard interface of the micro-cloud device provided by the micro-service through the adapter micro-service and send it to The microcloud device.

Fig. 3 is a schematic flowchart of a method for implementing VNF management of a virtualized network function provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 3, the method includes:

Step 301: The adapter distribution module receives a VNF management request triggered by a user.

Step 302: In the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the management and orchestration REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF management request to the MANO system.

Alternatively, in step 303, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls a REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the VNF management request to the micro-cloud device.

Wherein, before receiving the VNF management request triggered by the user, the method further includes:

The VNF software package import module receives a software package import request triggered by a user, and sends the software package import request to the adapter distribution module, the software package import request carrying the VNF software package to be imported;

In the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the REST interface to send the software package import request to the MANO system;

Alternatively, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a microcloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the REST standard interface to send the software package import request to the microcloud device.

Wherein, the VNF software package is a general VNF software package or a VNF software package generated by a user using network function virtualization orchestration NFVO, and the VNF software package is used to realize the management of the VNF.

Wherein, before receiving the software package import request triggered by the user, the method further includes:

The VNF software package orchestration module receives the orchestration instructions input by the user, and calls NFVO to generate the VNF software package.

Wherein, the VNF management request includes one of the following:

VNF instantiation request, VNF life cycle management request.

Fig. 4 is a schematic flowchart of a method for implementing virtualized network function VNF management provided by an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in Fig. 4, the method includes:

Step 401: The adapter distribution module receives a VNF management request triggered by a user.

Step 402: In the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the management and orchestration REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF management request to the MANO system, so as to perform VNF on the MANO system management.

Alternatively, in step 403, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the VNF management request to the micro-cloud device, so that the VNF management on cloud devices.

Before receiving the VNF management request triggered by the user, the method further includes:

In the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the software package import request to the MANO system, so as to save the VNF in the MANO system Software package

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the REST standard interface provided by the micro VNF management access module to send the software package import request to the micro cloud device, so that The VNF software package is stored on the microcloud device.

Wherein, in a case where the VNF management request is a VNF instantiation request, the method includes: the adapter distribution module receives a VNF instantiation request triggered by a user, and the VNF instantiation request carries a VNF software package that needs to be instantiated The identification and instantiation parameters;

In the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF instantiation request to the MANO system, so as to perform VNF instantiation on the MANO system;

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the REST standard interface provided by the micro VNF management access module to send the VNF instantiation request to the micro cloud device, so that the VNF instantiation on cloud devices.

Wherein, before receiving the VNF instantiation request triggered by the user, the method further includes:

The adapter distribution module receives a VNF software package query request triggered by a user,

And in the case of deploying VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the query VNF software package request to the MANO system, and receives the MANO system through all The VNF software package list returned by the REST interface provided by the MANO access module is displayed through the human-computer interaction interface of the system for the user to select the VNF software package to be instantiated and input the instantiation parameters Sending and triggering the VNF instantiation request;

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the VNF package query request to the micro-cloud device, and receives The micro cloud device returns the VNF software package list through the REST standard interface provided by the micro VNF management access module, and displays the VNF software package list through the human-computer interaction interface of the system for the user to select and instantiate Send and trigger the VNF instantiation request after the VNF software package and instantiation parameters are entered.

Wherein, in the case where the VNF management request is a VNF life cycle management request, the method includes:

The adapter distribution module receives the VNF life cycle management request triggered by the user,

And in the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF life cycle management request to the MANO system, so as to perform on the MANO system VNF life cycle management;

Or, in the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls a REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the VNF life cycle management request to the micro-cloud device, so that VNF life cycle management is performed on the micro cloud device.

Wherein, the MANO access module accesses microservices through the MANO system to provide the REST interface of the MANO system;

The micro-VNF management access module accesses the micro-service through the micro-cloud device to provide the REST standard interface of the micro-cloud device.

The adapter distribution module calls the REST interface of the MANO system provided by the MANO system to access the microservice or the REST standard interface of the microcloud device provided by the microcloud device to access the microservice through the adapter microservice.

Wherein, the MANO system access microservice, the microcloud device access microservice, and the adapter microservice can all be created before receiving the VNF management request triggered by the user.

Among them, after completing VNF instantiation, the method includes:

The adapter distribution module is configured to send the VNF management request to the EM network element through the adapter microservice when the received VNF management request is sent to the EM network element; the EM network element Is created after the system completes VNF instantiation, and the EM network element is set to manage the VNF;

Figure 5 is a schematic flow chart of a method for implementing virtualized network function VNF management provided by another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is applied to the system architecture shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2. The system shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2 may Applied to SDWAN business system.

As shown in Figure 5, the method includes:

In step 501, the VNF software package import module receives a software package import request triggered by a user, and sends the software package import request to the adapter distribution module.

Wherein, the software package import request carries the VNF software package to be imported, and the VNF software package is a general VNF software package or a VNF software package generated by a user using network function virtualization orchestration NFVO.

Wherein, the VNF software package is used to manage the VNF. For example, the VNF software package may include extension software that is implemented in related technologies according to the user's management requirements for microcloud devices. The extension software can implement a standard interface for VNF management. In this way, the VNF software package can complete the Manage the life cycle of the VNF on the micro cloud device. In one embodiment, the extended software refers to software that manages the life cycle of the virtual machine of the VNF and provides a standard interface to the outside. In this embodiment, it may be packaged software that manages Virsh script commands for the virtual machine. . The VNF management system (network management) will call the interface of the extended software, which is included in the VNF software package.

Among them, when multiple MANO systems or micro-cloud devices are deployed in the SDWAN business system, users can also select specific MANO systems or micro-cloud devices for software package import through the human-computer interaction interface.

In the case that the VNF software package arranges the VNF software package generated by NFVO for the user using network function virtualization, before receiving the user-triggered software package import request, the method further includes:

In an embodiment, the user can compose, publish and export the VNF software package through the human-computer interaction interface of the system. For example, the VNF software package orchestration module provides users with a human-computer interaction interface for VNF software package orchestration. Users can orchestrate the VNF software package according to business needs. After completing the VNF software package orchestration, the VNF software package can be released and exported.

Among them, the process of arranging VNF software packages is not limited. For example, users can input orchestration instructions according to business needs, or upload extended software, which can be customized software implemented based on related technology extensions, which implements standard interfaces for VNF management , And then generate a software package according to the layout instructions or the extended software.

SDWAN business system has two different scenarios: deploying VNF on MANO system or deploying VNF on micro-cloud equipment. After the adapter distribution module receives the software package import request, it needs to identify the deployment scenario in the system, and different scenarios need to call different access modules.

The following

steps

502 and 503 are respectively for different scenarios, and there is no sequence. It may also be a mixed deployment of the MANO system and the micro-cloud device, so

steps

502 and 503 need to be performed at the same time.

Step 502: In the case of deploying the VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the software package import request to the MANO system so as to save it in the MANO system. The VNF software package.

Step 503: In the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the software package import request to the micro-cloud device, so that The VNF software package is stored on the microcloud device.

In an embodiment, the user can publish and import the corresponding VNF software package to the MANO system or the micro cloud device as needed. Before importing, users can modify the variable values defined in the VNF software package, such as the network name, according to the actual situation of the current site (the actual situation of the site).

In the case of deployment in the MANO system, the adapter distribution module (which can be implemented by the system adapter) calls the REST interface of the MANO system; in the case of deployment in the micro-cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the VNF software on the micro-cloud device The software interface implemented in the package is extended based on the standard interface, that is, the REST standard interface. The REST standard interface can be an interface that the user needs to extend according to the REST standard and business needs. The extension process is not limited. For example, it may be an interface implemented by the above-mentioned extended software.

After the VNF software package is imported into the MANO system or the microcloud device, the VNF can be managed through the VNF software package. For example, the following steps can be performed in sequence;

In step 504, the adapter distribution module receives a VNF instantiation request triggered by the user, and the VNF instantiation request carries the identification and instantiation parameters of the VNF software package to be instantiated.

In an embodiment, the user can select the corresponding VNF software package for instantiation. For example, before receiving the VNF instantiation request triggered by the user, the method further includes:

And in the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, call the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the query VNF software package request to the MANO system, and receive the MANO system through the MANO access module The VNF software package list returned by the provided REST interface is displayed through the human-computer interaction interface of the system, so that the user can select the VNF software package to be instantiated and input the instantiation parameters to send and trigger the VNF instantiation request;

In the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, call the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the query VNF software package request to the micro-cloud device, and receive the micro-cloud device through all The VNF software package list returned by the REST standard interface provided by the micro VNF management access module, and the VNF software package list is displayed through the human-computer interaction interface of the system, so that the user can select the VNF software package to be instantiated and input examples After parameterizing, the VNF instantiation request is sent and triggered.

After receiving the VNF instantiation request, the adapter distribution module also needs to identify the deployment scenario in the system, and different scenarios need to call different access modules. The following

steps

505 and 506 are respectively for different scenarios, and there is no precedence order. It may also be a mixed deployment of the MANO system and the micro-cloud device, so

steps

505 and 506 need to be performed at the same time.

Step 505: In the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF instantiation request to the MANO system, so that the VNF can be performed on the MANO system Instantiate.

Step 506: In the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the VNF instantiation request to the micro-cloud device, so that the VNF instantiation on the microcloud device.

Among them, when multiple MANO systems or micro-cloud devices are deployed in the SDWAN business system, users can also select specific MANO systems or micro-cloud devices for VNF instantiation through a human-computer interaction interface.

After the VNF is instantiated on the MANO system or the microcloud device, the VNF software package can be used to implement other management of the VNF life cycle and other management. For example, you can continue to perform the following steps.

Step 507: The adapter distribution module receives the VNF life cycle management request triggered by the user.

steps

508 and 509 are respectively for different scenarios, and there is no sequence. It may also be a mixed deployment of the MANO system and the micro-cloud device, so

steps

508 and 509 need to be performed simultaneously.

Step 508: In the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF life cycle management request to the MANO system, so that the MANO system VNF life cycle management on the Internet.

Step 509: In the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the VNF lifecycle management request to the micro-cloud device, so that VNF life cycle management is performed on the micro cloud device.

Among them, when multiple MANO systems or micro-cloud devices are deployed in the SDWAN business system, users can also select specific MANO systems or micro-cloud devices to perform VNF life cycle management operations through the human-computer interaction interface.

In one embodiment, the micro-cloud device invokes the extended software interface corresponding to the VNF package according to the specific VNF package to complete the management of the VNF life cycle.

Wherein, the VNF management request may also be other management requests besides the VNF instantiation request and the VNF life cycle management request, and the processing process is similar, and will not be repeated here.

Among them, the way that the adapter distribution module calls the MANO access module or the micro-VNF management access module can send an interface request message to the MANO access module or the micro-VNF management access module, and then the MANO access module or the micro-VNF manages the access The module forwards the corresponding VNF management request to the MANO system or the micro cloud device.

Among them, after instantiation, the life cycle and other operations of the VNF can be managed in the form of network element management (EM, Elment Mangement). In the case of deployment in the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the MANO REST interface to manage the life cycle of the VNF; in the case of deployment in a micro-cloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the VNF software package based on standard interface extensions The implemented software interface is the REST standard interface.

Among them, the adapter distribution module can be implemented by a system adapter.

The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention has the following advantages:

1. Third-party VNF suppliers can follow the standard and unified REST interface to realize the management of VNF;

2. The development and testing costs when the business supports new VNF capabilities are significantly reduced, and the time to market for new functions is significantly shortened;

3. The deployment and usage scenarios of network function virtualization services have been expanded.

In the technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention, in two different scenarios of deploying a VNF in the MANO system and deploying a VNF service on a micro-cloud device, it can follow a standard and unified REST interface to realize the management of the VNF, and reduce the development cost of SDWAN services. And the maintenance cost of SDWAN business.

FIG. 6 is a schematic flowchart of a method for implementing virtualized network function VNF management provided by another embodiment of the present invention. This embodiment is applied to the system architecture shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2. The system shown in FIG. 1 or FIG. 2 can Applied to SDWAN business system.

In this embodiment, microservice technology is introduced, which combines microservice technology, virtualization technology, and standardization technology of REST interface specifications. Wherein, the adapter micro service, the MANO system access micro service, and the micro cloud device access micro service are created in advance. The MANO system access micro service provides the REST interface of the MANO system, and the micro cloud device accesses the micro service. Provide the REST standard interface of the microcloud device.

As shown in Figure 6, the method includes:

Step 601: The VNF software package orchestration module receives an orchestration instruction input by the user, and uses NFVO to generate a VNF software package.

In an embodiment, the user can edit the VNF software package by himself and publish and export it. The user arranges the VNF software package at the Network Functions Virtualization Orchestration (NFVO) NFV orchestration layer (that is, the VNF software package orchestration module) (the orchestration can use the cloud application topology and business process specification (Topology and Orchestration Specification for) Cloud Applications, TOSCA) language implementation), and upload the VNF life cycle management software implemented with related technology extensions, which implements the standard interface for VNF life cycle management. The VNF software package is generated after the orchestration is completed according to the business requirements, which can be directly released for use, or exported as an independent VNF software package for use by other business systems. When the user triggers a package import request, perform the following steps:

Step 602: The VNF software package importing module receives the software package import request triggered by the user, and sends the software package importing request to the adapter distribution module.

Wherein, the software package import request carries the VNF software package generated by the VNF software package orchestration module.

In one embodiment, when a service requires a VNF function, the VNF software package of this function needs to be imported into the service system, and the software package is imported into the corresponding MANO system and/or microcloud device.

The following steps 603 and 604 are for different scenarios, and there is no sequence. It may also be a hybrid deployment of the MANO system and the micro-cloud device, so steps 603 and 604 need to be performed at the same time.

Step 603: In the case of deploying the VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module invokes the MANO system to access the REST interface of the MANO system provided by the MANO system through the adapter microservice and sends the software package import request to the MANO system. In order to save the VNF software package in the MANO system.

Step 604: In the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, the adapter distribution module uses the adapter micro-service to call the micro-VNF management and access REST standard interface provided by the micro-service to send the software package import request to the micro-cloud device , So as to save the VNF software package on the microcloud device.

In one embodiment, the business system provides two types of VNF management system microservices: MANO access microservices and microcloud device access microservices. The system adapter distributes import requests to specific VNF management interfaces according to the microservice types managed by the VNF. Enter the microservices, and finally import the VNF software package into the software warehouse of the VNF software package: if it is MANO accessing microservices, import it to MANO’s software warehouse; if it is a microcloud device accessing microservices, then import it to the microcloud device Software warehouse. After importing, users can re-arrange the VNF standard software package to meet the differentiated requirements of various business scenarios. After the arrangement is completed, it is published to the VNF management system, and the VNF software package enters the instantiable state.

After the MANO system and/or the micro-cloud device have saved the VNF software package, the VNF can be managed, such as VNF instantiation, VNF life cycle management, etc. When the user triggers VNF instantiation, the following steps can be performed:

Step 605: The adapter distribution module receives a VNF instantiation request triggered by the user, and the VNF instantiation request carries the identification and instantiation parameters of the VNF software package that needs to be instantiated.

And in the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the REST interface provided by the MANO access microservice is called through the adapter microservice to send the query VNF software package request to the MANO system, and receive the MANO system through the MANO system. Access the VNF package list returned by the REST interface provided by the microservice, and display the VNF package list through the human-computer interaction interface of the system for the user to select the VNF package to be instantiated and input the instantiation parameters to send And trigger the VNF instantiation request;

In the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro-cloud device, the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access micro-service is invoked through the adapter micro-service to send the query VNF software package request to the micro-cloud device and receive the micro-cloud The device accesses the VNF software package list returned by the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access microservice, and displays the VNF software package list through the human-computer interaction interface of the system for the user to select the VNF software to be instantiated Send and trigger the VNF instantiation request after the packet and instantiation parameters are input.

In one embodiment, the user can select the corresponding VNF software package for instantiation. The process includes: the user initiates an operation to query the software repository, the adapter of the business system distributes the query request to the VNF management access microservice, and the access management microservice returns VNF software packages can be instantiated in the software warehouse of the corresponding system, and VNF software packages can be listed in the application market interface of the business system. The user searches and selects the required VNF software package in the application market, enters the necessary instantiation parameters, and initiates the application installation operation (VNF instantiation).

The following

steps

606 and 607 are respectively for different scenarios, and there is no sequence. It may also be a mixed deployment of the MANO system and the micro-cloud device, so

steps

606 and 607 need to be performed at the same time.

Step 606: In the case of deploying a VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the MANO system to access the REST interface of the MANO system provided by the microservice through the adapter microservice, and sends the VNF instantiation request to the MANO system, In order to instantiate VNF in the MANO system.

Step 607: In the case of deploying a VNF based on a micro cloud device, the adapter distribution module uses the adapter micro service to call the micro VNF management access to the REST standard interface provided by the micro service to send the VNF instantiation request to the micro cloud device , So as to instantiate the VNF on the micro-cloud device.

In an embodiment, the business system calls the corresponding access management microservice REST interface through the system adapter microservice according to the selected VNF software package, and the access management microservice forwards the instantiation request message to the VNF life on the microcloud device system The cycle management software is instantiated (MANO system naturally supports the REST interface for VNF life cycle management, and the VNF software package on the micro-cloud device contains the REST interface for VNF life cycle management).

After instantiation, the life cycle and other operations of the VNF can be managed in the form of EM (Elment Mangement). For example, after the VNF instantiation is completed, the corresponding EM network element is created in the business system. For example, when a user triggers a VNF lifecycle management request, the following steps can be performed:

Step 608: The adapter distribution module receives the VNF management request triggered by the user.

The VNF management request may be a life cycle management request such as modifying the configuration route of the VNF or deleting the VNF instance.

The following

steps

609, 610, and 611 are respectively for different management objects and scenes, and there is no sequence. It may also be a mixed deployment of the MANO system and the micro-cloud device, so steps 609, 610, and 611 need to be performed at the same time.

Step 609: In the case of sending the received VNF management request to the EM network element, send the VNF management request to the EM network element through the adapter microservice.

Wherein, the EM network element is created after the system completes the instantiation of the VNF, and the EM network element is used to manage the VNF.

In an embodiment, for example, to modify the configuration route of the VNF, the management request needs to be sent to the corresponding VNF network element.

Step 610, in the case of sending the received VNF management request to the MANO system, call the MANO system to access the MANO system provided by the MANO system through the adapter microservice and send it to the MANO system. system.

Step 611: In the case of sending the received VNF management request to the microcloud device, call the microcloud device to access the REST standard interface of the microcloud device provided by the microservice through the adapter microservice to send To the microcloud device.

In one embodiment, for example, to delete a VNF instance, etc., a management request needs to be sent to the MANO system or the micro cloud device.

The technical solution provided by the embodiment of the present invention uses microservice technology, virtualization technology and REST interface specifications to unify the interface for providing VNF management to the SDWAN service layer. The network function can be used without the SDWAN service layer to distinguish whether there is a MANO system or not. Virtualization orchestration (Network Function Virtualization Orchestration, NFVO) orchestration generates VNF software packages (CSAR packages, Cloud service archiving, cloud service archiving) for life cycle management, thereby realizing the standardization of interfaces for VNF life cycle management, while reducing The research and development cost of SDWAN business, as well as the maintenance cost of SDWAN business.

All or some of the steps in the methods disclosed above, the functional modules/units in the system, and the device can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and appropriate combinations thereof. In the hardware implementation, the division between functional modules/units mentioned in the above description does not necessarily correspond to the division of physical components; for example, a physical component may have multiple functions, or a function or step may consist of multiple The physical components cooperate to execute. Some or all of the components may be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a digital signal processor or a microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application specific integrated circuit. Such software may be distributed on a computer-readable medium, and the computer-readable medium may include a computer storage medium (or a non-transitory medium) and a communication medium (or a transitory medium). Computer storage media includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data) . Computer storage media include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), flash memory or other memories Technology, portable compact disk read-only memory (Compact Disc Read Only Memory, CD-ROM), digital versatile disk (Digital Video Disk, DVD) or other optical disk storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or Any other medium that can be used to store desired information and that can be accessed by a computer. The communication medium includes computer readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transmission mechanism, and may include any information delivery medium.

Claims

A system for realizing virtualized network function VNF management, including:

Adapter distribution module, management and orchestration MANO access module and micro-VNF management access module;

The MANO access module is configured to provide a REST interface for expressive state transfer of the MANO system;

The micro-VNF management access module is configured to provide the REST standard interface of the micro-cloud device;

The adapter distribution module is configured to receive a VNF management request triggered by a user, and when the VNF is deployed based on the MANO system, call the REST interface to send the VNF management request to the MANO system, or When the VNF is deployed by the microcloud device, calling the REST standard interface to send the VNF management request to the microcloud device;

Wherein, a VNF software package is stored on the MANO system and the microcloud device.
The system according to claim 1, further comprising:

VNF software package import module;

The VNF software package import module is configured to receive a software package import request triggered by a user and send the software package import request to the adapter distribution module, the software package import request carrying the VNF software package to be imported;

The adapter distribution module is further configured to, when the VNF is deployed based on the MANO system, call the REST interface to send the software package import request to the MANO system, or, in the case of deploying the VNF based on the MANO system, When the device deploys the VNF, the REST standard interface is invoked to send the software package import request to the microcloud device.
The system of claim 1, wherein:

The VNF software package is a general VNF software package or a VNF software package generated by a user using network function virtualization orchestration NFVO, and the VNF software package is used to implement management of the VNF.
The system according to claim 1, further comprising: a VNF software package orchestration module;

The VNF software package layout module is configured to receive the layout instruction input by the user, and invoke NFVO to generate the VNF software package.
The system of claim 1, wherein:

The VNF management request includes one of the following:

VNF instantiation request, VNF life cycle management request.
A method for realizing virtualized network function VNF management, including:

The adapter distribution module receives the VNF management request triggered by the user;

In the case of deploying a VNF based on the management and orchestration of the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the expressive state transfer REST interface provided by the MANO access module to send the VNF management request to the MANO system, or In the case where the device deploys the VNF, the adapter distribution module calls the REST standard interface provided by the micro-VNF management access module to send the VNF management request to the micro-cloud device;

Wherein, a VNF software package is stored on the MANO system and the microcloud device.
The method according to claim 6, wherein, before the receiving the VNF management request triggered by the user, the method further comprises:

The VNF software package import module receives a software package import request triggered by a user, and sends the software package import request to the adapter distribution module, the software package import request carrying the VNF software package to be imported;

In the case of deploying the VNF based on the MANO system, the adapter distribution module calls the REST interface to send the software package import request to the MANO system,

Or, in the case of deploying the VNF based on the microcloud device, the adapter distribution module calls the REST standard interface to send the software package import request to the microcloud device.
The method according to claim 6, wherein:

The VNF software package is a general VNF software package or a VNF software package generated by a user using network function virtualization orchestration NFVO, and the VNF software package is used to implement management of the VNF.
7. The method according to claim 7, wherein before said receiving a user-triggered software package import request, the method further comprises:

The VNF software package layout module receives the layout instruction input by the user, and calls NFVO to generate the VNF software package.
The method according to claim 6, wherein:

The VNF management request includes one of the following:

VNF instantiation request, VNF life cycle management request.