Managing VNF Components

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) uses IT virtualization-related technologies to virtualize entire classes of network node function.

NFV-Infrastructure (NFV-I) infrastructure/environment where VNFs are deployed (including managers: OpenStack, OVM-M, Cloud Director)

Virtual Network Function (VNF) responsible for handling specific network functions that run on one or more VMs (PCRF).

Virtual Infrastructure Manager (VIM) software responsible for ensuring that physical and virtual resources work smoothly together.

To manage VNF components:

  1. Add MPE/MRA Cluster ( If in Wireless-c Mode add MPE/MRA/Mediation Cluster) .
  2. Select VM (Automated) as the HW Type.
  3. Select VIM Connection.
  4. CMP requests info on VIM connection.
  5. VNF Manager returns catalog data as JSON for images, flavors affinity zones, security groups and Network Ports.
  6. CMP database saves the topology.
  7. CMP database passes new VNF cluster topology and VIM connection to the NF Agent:
    1. The NF Agent interfaces with the VIM OpenStack to request the instantiation of the new VM.
    2. The OpenStack requests the initial configuration of the VM instance
    3. Plat Config configures the VM with the proper image files.
    4. OpenStack interfaces with NF Agent so the VNF mapping persists in HA.
  8. CMP database passes new cluster topology to QP to persist in HA.
Parent topic: Configuring the Policy Management Topology