MANAGING RESOURCE ALLOCATION IN A NETWORK FUNCTIONS VIRTUALISATION INFRASTRUCTURE

摘要

A method (100), performed in a Network Functions Virtualisation Management and Operations (NFV M&O) element, for managing allocation of resources in a Network Functions Virtualisation Infrastructure (NFVI) is disclosed. The method comprises establishing a planned resource allocation adjustment (102) and identifying a Virtualised Network Function Manager (VNFM) managing at least one Virtualised Network Function (VNF) which will be affected by the planned resource allocation adjustment (104). The method also comprises requesting permission from the identified VNFM to perform the planned resource allocation adjustment (106), and implementing the planned resource allocation adjustment if the requested permission is received (124). Also disclosed is a method (300), performed in a VNFM, for managing a VNF that consumes resources in a NFVI, which resources are allocated to the VNF. The method comprises receiving, from a NFV M&O element, a request for permission to perform a planned resource allocation adjustment which will affect the VNF managed by the VNFM (302), checking an operational status of the VNF (304), and responding to the request on the basis of the operational status of the VNF (318). In the event that responding to the request comprises granting the requested permission, the method may further comprise triggering preparatory actions in the VNF to mitigate the impact of the planned resource allocation adjustment, and may also comprise triggering clean up actions at the VNF after the resource allocation adjustment has been completed. Also disclosed are a NFV M&O element (500, 700), a VNFM (600, 800) and a computer program product configured to carry out methods for managing allocation of resources in a NFVI and for managing a VNF consuming resources in a NFVI.