Dynamic inter-cloud placement of virtual network functions for a slice

Abstract

Examples can include an optimizer that dynamically determines where to place virtual network functions for a slice in a distributed Telco cloud network. The optimizer can determine a slice path that complies with a service level agreement and balances network load. The virtual network functions of the slice can be provisioned at clouds identified by the optimal slice path. In one example, performance metrics are normalized, and tenant-selected weights can be applied. This can allow the optimizer to prioritize particular SLA attributes in choosing an optimal slice path.

1 - 20 . (canceled) 
     
     
         21 . A method for dynamic inter-cloud placement of virtual network functions (“VNFs”) in a slice path, comprising:
 providing a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that displays on a user device; 
 receiving a slice selection on the GUI for a first slice from among a plurality of slices available on a network; 
 displaying, on the GUI, a first field for selecting a service level agreement (“SLA”) attribute for the slice selection; 
 receiving a selection of a first SLA attribute through the first field; 
 displaying, on the GUI, a second field for selecting a maximum number of intercloud links; 
 receiving a selection of a number of maximum intercloud links through the second field; and 
 provisioning VNFs for the first slice at clouds of a chosen slice path, wherein the chosen slice path is selected from among the candidate slice paths based on performance metrics corresponding to the first SLA attribute and the maximum number of intercloud links. 
 
     
     
         22 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the maximum number of intercloud links is automatically increased based on an available pool size of candidate slice paths being too small. 
     
     
         23 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein the chosen slice path is selected based on selecting a slice path having fewer intercloud links than another slice path. 
     
     
         24 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein provisioning VNFs comprises instantiating at least one virtual machine (“VM”). 
     
     
         25 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein provisioning VNFs comprises instantiating at least one virtual computer processing units (“vCPUs”). 
     
     
         26 . The method of  claim 21 , wherein provisioning VNFs comprises instructing an existing VNF to interface with a newly provisioned VNF at a new location. 
     
     
         27 . The method of  claim 21 , further comprising receiving a GUI selection for a cloud definition that designates a geographic area required for the first slice, wherein the chosen slice path includes a cloud meeting the designated geographic area requirement. 
     
     
         28 . A non-transitory, computer-readable medium comprising instructions that, when executed by a processor, perform stages for dynamically placing virtual network functions (“VNFs”) in a slice, the stages comprising:
 providing a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that displays on a user device; 
 receiving a slice selection on the GUI for a first slice from among a plurality of slices available on a network; 
 displaying, on the GUI, a first field for selecting a service level agreement (“SLA”) attribute for the slice selection; 
 receiving a selection of a first SLA attribute through the first field; 
 displaying, on the GUI, a second field for selecting a load function that defines how cloud load is determined; 
 receiving a selection of a load function through the second field; and 
 provisioning VNFs for the first slice at clouds of a chosen slice path, wherein the chosen slice path is selected from among the candidate slice paths based on performance metrics corresponding to the first SLA attribute and the selected load function. 
 
     
     
         29 . The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of  claim 28 , wherein the load function bases load on virtual computer processing units (“vCPUs”). 
     
     
         30 . The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of  claim 28 , wherein provisioning VNFs comprises instantiating at least one virtual machine (“VM”). 
     
     
         31 . The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of  claim 28 , wherein provisioning VNFs comprises instantiating at least one virtual computer processing units (“vCPUs”). 
     
     
         32 . The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of  claim 28 , wherein provisioning VNFs comprises instructing an existing VNF to interface with a newly provisioned VNF at a new location. 
     
     
         33 . The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of  claim 28 , the stages further comprising receiving a GUI selection for a cloud definition that designates a geographic area required for the first slice, wherein the chosen slice path includes a cloud meeting the designated geographic area requirement. 
     
     
         34 . The non-transitory, computer-readable medium of  claim 28 , wherein the chosen slice path is also selected based on selecting a slice path having fewer intercloud links than another slice path. 
     
     
         35 . A system for dynamically placing virtual network functions (“VNFs”) in a slice, the stages comprising:
 a non-transitory, computer-readable medium containing instructions; and 
 at least one processor that executes the instructions to perform stages comprising:
 providing a graphical user interface (“GUI”) that displays on a user device; 
 receiving a slice selection on the GUI for a first slice from among a plurality of slices available on a network; 
 displaying, on the GUI, a first field for selecting a service level agreement (“SLA”) attribute for the slice selection; 
 receiving a selection of a first SLA attribute through the first field; 
 displaying, on the GUI, a second field for selecting a maximum cost; 
 receiving a selection of a maximum cost through the second field; and 
 provisioning VNFs for the first slice at clouds of a chosen slice path, wherein the chosen slice path is selected from among the candidate slice paths based on performance metrics corresponding to the first SLA attribute and the maximum cost. 
 
 
     
     
         36 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein provisioning VNFs comprises instantiating at least one virtual machine (“VM”). 
     
     
         37 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein provisioning VNFs comprises instantiating at least one virtual computer processing units (“vCPUs”). 
     
     
         38 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein provisioning VNFs comprises instructing an existing VNF to interface with a newly provisioned VNF at a new location. 
     
     
         39 . The system of  claim 35 , the stages further comprising receiving a GUI selection for a cloud definition that designates a geographic area required for the first slice, wherein the chosen slice path includes a cloud meeting the designated geographic area requirement. 
     
     
         40 . The system of  claim 35 , wherein the chosen slice path is also selected based on selecting a slice path having fewer intercloud links than another slice path.