TWI742878B - Method and system for managing general virtual network service chain - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention provides a method and system for managing a general virtual network service chain. The method includes: obtaining a network service order, which includes a network service demand and a network service description file, wherein the network service description file indicates a plurality of specific virtual network functions (VNF) connected in series; in response to determining the network service demand indicating to issue the network service description file, checking a format of the network service description file; in response to determining that the format of the network service description file is correct, determining whether the specific VNFs already exist in a network service knowledge base; in response to determining that the specific VNFs already exist in the network service knowledge base, recording the network service description file in the network service knowledge base to complete an issue operation of the network service description file.

Description

Method and system for managing universal virtual network service link

The present invention relates to a technology for managing network service links, and particularly relates to a method and system for managing general virtual network service links.

Generally speaking, when network administrators want to establish network service links between multiple virtual network functions (Virtual Network Function, VNF), they must determine the connection relationship between the various VNFs (for example, which VNF is through Which switches are connected to another VNF) are written in the network service description file to complete the establishment of the network service link.

However, in the above-mentioned method, since the network management personnel also need to find out the switch information connected between the VNFs before editing the content of the above-mentioned network service description file, it is not convenient to use.

In view of this, the present invention provides a method and system for managing a general virtual network service link, which can be used to solve the above technical problems.

The present invention provides a method for managing a universal virtual network service link, including: obtaining a first network service order, wherein the first network service order includes a first network service demand and a first network service description file , Where the first network service description file indicates multiple specific virtual network functions connected in series; in response to the determination of the first network service demand instruction, the first network service description file is listed, and the syntax of the first network service description file is checked Format; responding to determining that the grammatical format of the first network service description file is correct, determining whether the multiple specific virtual network functions already exist in a network service knowledge base; responding to determining the multiple specific virtual networks The function already exists in the network service knowledge base, and the first network service description file is recorded in a network service knowledge base to complete a shelf operation of the first network service description file.

The invention provides a system for managing a general virtual network service link, which includes a storage circuit and a processor. The storage circuit stores multiple modules. The processor is coupled to the storage circuit and accesses the plurality of modules to perform the following steps: obtain a first network service order, where the first network service order includes a first network service demand and a first network Service description file, where the first network service description file indicates multiple specific virtual network functions connected in series; in response to the determination of the first network service demand, the first network service description file is listed, and the first network service description is checked The grammatical format of the file; responding to determining that the grammatical format of the first network service description file is correct, determining whether the plurality of specific virtual network functions already exist in a network service knowledge base; responding to determining the plurality of specific virtual network functions The virtual network function already exists in the network service knowledge base, and the first network service description file is recorded in a network service knowledge base to complete a shelf operation of the first network service description file.

Generally speaking, the present invention discloses a network service that can provide flexible packaging of virtual VNF and physical network function (physical network function, PNF) network equipment, and can dynamically connect VNF service links. The fast shelf function of the road service product can be applied to the software defined network (SDN)/Network Function Virtualization (NFV) environment, flexibly supports the installation of various network equipment, and provides flexible Provide parameters and connect the network service sequence to the network according to the administrator's description file. This will be further explained below.

Please refer to FIG. 1A, which is a schematic diagram of a system for managing a general virtual network service link according to an embodiment of the present invention. In different embodiments, the system 100 may be various computer devices and smart devices, but it is not limited to this. As shown in FIG. 1A, the system 100 may include a storage circuit 102 and a processor 104.

The storage circuit 102 is, for example, any type of fixed or removable random access memory (Random Access Memory, RAM), read-only memory (Read-Only Memory, ROM), flash memory (Flash memory), hard disk Disk or other similar devices or a combination of these devices can be used to record multiple codes or modules.

The processor 104 is coupled to the storage circuit 102, and can be a general purpose processor, a special purpose processor, a traditional processor, a digital signal processor, multiple microprocessors, one or more combined digital signal processing Microprocessor, controller, microcontroller, Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), any other type of integrated circuit , State machines, processors based on Advanced RISC Machine (ARM) and similar products.

Please refer to FIG. 1B, which is a schematic diagram of various modules stored in the storage circuit shown in FIG. 1A. In this embodiment, the storage circuit 102 may store, for example, a virtual network service link operation and presentation module 111, a network service description file uploading module 112, a virtual network function management module 113, and a network service knowledge base. 114. Network coordination module 115, network service management module 116, software network management module 117, and network link knowledge base 118.

In the embodiment of the present invention, the processor 104 can access the modules and program codes recorded in the storage circuit 102 to implement the method for managing a general virtual network service link proposed by the present invention. The details are described below.

Please refer to FIG. 2A, which is a flowchart of a method for managing a general virtual network service link according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method of this embodiment can be executed by the system 100 in FIG. 1. The details of each step in FIG. 2A are described below with the components shown in FIG. 1.

First, in step S211, the processor 104 may obtain a first network service order. In one embodiment, the processor 104 can execute the virtual network service link operation and presentation module 111 to provide a user interface for users (such as network administrators) to input network service order information as the above-mentioned second An online service order. In different embodiments, the first network service order can be written using, for example, the Topology and Orchestration Specification for Cloud Application (TOSCA) syntax, and its content can include the first network service requirement and a first The network service description file, and the first network service requirement may indicate the listing of the first network service description file or instantiate network services such as the first network service description file, but it is not limited to this. In addition, the first network service description file can record the details of its network service provisioning, such as the specific VNF required, but it is not limited to this.

For the convenience of description, the following assumes that the first network service requirement is to instruct the above-mentioned first network service description file (also understood as the network service corresponding to the first network service description file), but it may not Limited to this.

In this case, in step S212, in response to determining that the first network service requirement indicates that the first network service description file is to be listed, the processor 104 can execute the network service description file uploading module 112 to check the first network service The grammatical format of the description file. In some embodiments, if the TOSCA content and format of the first network service description file meet the requirements, then the shelf operation of the first network service description file can be continued.

Assuming that the grammatical format of the first network service description file is checked to be correct, the processor 104 may continue to execute step S213. In step S213, in response to determining that the grammatical format of the first network service description file is correct, the processor 104 can execute the network service description file uploading module 112 to determine whether the plurality of specific VNFs already exist in the network service knowledge Library 114.

In step S214, in response to determining that the plurality of specific VNFs already exist in the network service knowledge base 114, the processor 104 can execute the network service description file uploading module 112 to record the first network service description file in In the network service knowledge base 114, the shelf operation of the first network service description file is completed.

In one embodiment, the processor 104 may generate a number unique to the first network service description file, and record it in the network service knowledge base 114, but it is not limited to this.

In other embodiments, assuming that the grammatical format of the first network service description file is wrong, or that any of the above-mentioned specific VNFs does not exist in the network service knowledge base 114, the processor 104 can use the virtual network service chain, for example. The route operation and presentation module 111 reports an error message to the network manager and stops posting the first network service description file, but it is not limited to this.

In other embodiments, the network service demand in the network service order received by the system 100 can also be used to indicate the instantiation of the online service description file that has been put on the shelf. The details are described as follows.

Please refer to FIG. 2B, which is a flowchart of a method for managing a general virtual network service link according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, assuming that the network administrator wants to request the system 100 to instantiate the first network service description file that has been put on the shelf, he can edit a corresponding second network service order in TOSCA syntax, and can use The aforementioned user interface is input to the system 100.

Correspondingly, in step S221, the processor 104 can execute the virtual network service link operation and presentation module 111 to obtain the second network service order. In an embodiment, the second network service order may include a second network service demand. Since the purpose of the second network service order is to instantiate the first network service profile, the second network service requirement may indicate the instantiation of the first network service profile, but it is not limited to this.

After that, in step S222, in response to determining that the second network service demand instruction instantiates the first network service description file, the processor 104 can execute the network service management module 116 to check the grammatical format of the second network service order (For example, whether it meets the relevant regulations of TOSCA).

In addition, in one embodiment, in response to determining that the second network service requirement indicates to instantiate the first network service description file, the processor 104 may also execute the network coordination module 115 to generate the network service management module 116, The information and templates required by the virtual network function management module 113 and the software network management module 117 when instantiating the first network service description file.

Next, in step S223, in response to determining that the grammatical format of the second network service order is correct, the processor 104 can execute the network service management module 116 to call the virtual network function management module 113 according to the first network service description File for the installation of the multiple specific VNFs. In some embodiments, the processor 104 can execute the virtual network function management module 113 to instantiate the above-mentioned specific VNF in one or more designated physical servers, but it may not be limited thereto.

In addition, in step S224, the processor 104 can execute the network service management module 116 to call the software-based network management module 117 for installing the network service links between the plurality of specific VNFs. In one embodiment, the processor 104 can execute the software network management module 117 to obtain the current network status in the network link knowledge base 118, and then perform network installation based on the content of the first network service description file , And update the results and content after network installation to the network link knowledge base 118, but it is not limited to this.

For example, the processor 104 can execute the software-based network management module 117 to obtain multiple specific SDN switches between the specific VNFs, and connect the specific VNFs in pairs through the specific SDN switches to form all Describe the network service link. For example, the processor 104 can execute the software-based network management module 117 to set the routing between the above-mentioned specific SDN switches to form the network service link, but it is not limited to this.

Please refer to FIG. 3, which is a schematic diagram illustrating an execution environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the execution environment of the present invention may include a management layer 317, a service layer 316, and a physical layer 315. The physical layer 315 includes all physical devices, such as a physical server 313 (the processor 104 may instantiate the above-mentioned specific VNF therein) and a physical SDN switch 314 (for example, a specific SDN switch used to connect the above-mentioned specific VNF in series). The service layer 316 includes the virtual path provided by the present invention, and the customer service connection 310 is the mechanism for the customer to connect to the virtual path described above. The VNF 311 is, for example, a specific VNF installed in the physical server 313, and the PNF 312 can be used to allow customers to connect to the external network through this device.

In addition, the management layer 317 may include a network coordination module 115, a network service management module 116, and a software network management module 117, and the individual operating methods can be referred to the description of the previous embodiment, which will not be repeated here. .

In summary, the present invention has at least the following features: (1) The present invention can utilize SDN technology and network coordination modules to flexibly mount VNFs and instantiate them as network services, with the purpose of providing more flexible network services Instantiation and management; (2) The present invention provides a general MANO system architecture, provides flexible packaging of VNF and PNF network equipment mixed network services, and can dynamically connect VNF service links, with the rapid shelf function of network service products, System automation can be achieved through a common architecture. In the future, new network services can be launched through this process to shorten the online time; (3) The present invention designs and develops network service description file shelf management functions, network service life cycle management functions, and VNF services Chain and other functions, saving development manpower time.

Although the present invention has been disclosed in the above embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Anyone with ordinary knowledge in the relevant technical field can make some changes and modifications without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The protection scope of the present invention shall be subject to those defined by the attached patent application scope.

100: System 102: storage circuit 104: processor 111: Virtual network service link operation and presentation module 112: Network service description file listing module 113: Virtual Network Function Management Module 114: Network Service Knowledge Base 115: network coordination module 116: Network Service Management Module 117: Software-based network management module 118: Network Link Knowledge Base 315: physical layer 316: service layer 317: Management 313: Physical Server 314: Physical SDN Switch 310: Customer Service Connection 311: VNF 312: PNF S211~S214, S221~S224: Step

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram of a system for managing a general virtual network service link according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram of various modules stored in the storage circuit shown in FIG. 1A. FIG. 2A is a flowchart of a method for managing a general virtual network service link according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2B is a flowchart of a method for managing a general virtual network service link according to another embodiment of the present invention. Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating an execution environment according to an embodiment of the present invention.

S211~S214: steps

Claims (10)

A method for managing a universal virtual network service link includes: obtaining a first network service order, wherein the first network service order includes a first network service demand and a first network service description file, wherein The first network service description file indicates a serial relationship of a plurality of specific virtual network functions; in response to determining that the first network service demand instruction indicates to put the first network service description file, check the first network service The grammatical format of the description file; responding to determining that the grammatical format of the first network service description file is correct, determining whether the specific virtual network functions already exist in a network service knowledge base; responding to determining the specific virtual The network function already exists in the network service knowledge base, and the first network service description file is recorded in the network service knowledge base to complete a shelf operation of the first network service description file. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: obtaining a second network service order, wherein the second network service order includes a second network service demand; in response to determining the second network service demand instruction instance Convert the first network service description file to check the grammatical format of the second network service order; in response to determining that the grammatical format of the second network service order is correct, the first network service description file Specific virtual network functions are provided for installation; a network service link between these specific virtual network functions is provided for installation. The method according to claim 2, wherein the first network service description file indicates the serial connection relationship of the specific virtual network functions, and is provided for installing the network service link between the specific virtual network functions The steps include: obtaining a plurality of specific software-defined network switches between the specific virtual network functions, and connecting the specific virtual network functions in pairs through the specific software-defined network switches, To form the network service link. The method according to claim 1, wherein the first network service description file is written in a cloud application topology orchestration standard syntax. The method according to claim 1, wherein it is reflected in determining that the grammatical format of the first network service description file is incorrect or that any one of the specific virtual network functions does not exist in the network service knowledge base, so The method further includes: reporting an error message and stopping the listing of the first network service description file. A system for managing a general virtual network service link includes: a storage circuit storing a plurality of modules; and a processor coupled to the storage circuit, accessing the modules to perform the following steps: obtaining a first A network service order, where the first network service order includes a first network service demand and a first network service description file, wherein the first network service description file indicates one of a plurality of specific virtual network functions Serial connection; responding to the determination of the first network service requirement instructing to put the first network service description file, checking the grammatical format of the first network service description file; responding to the determination of the first network service description file The grammatical format is correct, and it is judged whether the specific virtual network functions already exist in the network service knowledge base; In response to determining that the specific virtual network functions already exist in the network service knowledge base, record the first network service description file in a network service knowledge base to complete the first network service description file One-on-shelf operation. The system of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to: obtain a second network service order, wherein the second network service order includes a second network service demand; in response to determining the second network service request The network service request instruction instantiates the first network service description file, and checks the grammatical format of the second network service order; in response to determining that the grammatical format of the second network service order is correct, according to the first network The service description file is for installing the specific virtual network functions; for installing a network service link between the specific virtual network functions. The system according to claim 7, wherein the first network service description file indicates the serial connection relationship of the specific virtual network functions, and the processor is configured to: obtain information between the specific virtual network functions A plurality of specific software-defined network switches between the specific software-defined network switches, and the specific virtual network functions are connected in pairs through the specific software-defined network switches to form the network service link. The system according to claim 6, wherein the first network service description file is written in a cloud application topology orchestration standard syntax. The system according to claim 6, wherein in response to determining that the grammatical format of the first network service description file is incorrect or that any one of the specific virtual network functions does not exist in the network service knowledge base, the The processor is further configured to report an error message, and stop uploading the first network service description file.

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