A network function virtualization (NFV) compute element installs an image supporting a virtualized network function (VNF) on the element. The image includes instructions/data to initiate a TCP connection between the element and a Software Defined Network (SDN) controller upon reboot of the element. Upon rebooting, the element establishes, as client in accordance with the instructions/data, a TCP connection with the controller. The element then accepts, as a cryptographic network protocol server, a connection via the TCP connection from the controller as a client in accordance with the instructions. Next, the element accepts, as a network management protocol server, a connection via the cryptographic network protocol connection from the controller as network management protocol client. The element receives, from the controller over the network management protocol connection, commands regarding the status of the rebooted element, and then transmits, to the controller over the network management protocol connection, responses to the commands.

Software performance can be automatically managed in a distributed computing environment. In one example, a system that can receive metrics information describing resource usage by a first instance of a service in a distributed computing environment. The system can also determine a quality-of-service (QoS) constraint for the service. The system can then modify a definition file based on the metrics information and the QoS constraint, the definition file being configured for deploying instances of the service in the distributed computing environment. The system can deploy a second instance of the service in the distributed computing environment using the modified definition file. As a result, the second instance can more closely satisfy the QoS constraint than the first instance.

A method performed by one or more network devices of a cloud platform for providing interworking between the cloud platform and a communication service platform. The method includes receiving, from a user of the cloud platform, input regarding desired characteristics for an edge cloud, providing, via an application programming interface, an indication of the desired characteristics for the edge cloud to the communication service platform, receiving, from the communication service platform via the application programing interface, an indication of a set of edge locations that is capable of supporting the desired characteristics for the edge cloud, provisioning an edge subnet at each edge location in the set of edge locations, and making the edge subnets visible to the user of the cloud platform.

Embodiments of a method of operation of a service requestor to request a service from a chain controller in a cellular communications network in which a user plane function is decomposed into a plurality of micro user plane functions are disclosed. In some embodiments, the method comprises sending, to the chain controller, a service description or a request to update a service description. The service description comprises one or more service template instances having respective service template definitions. Each service template definition of the respective service template definitions being data that defines a set of micro user plane functions that realize a service or a part of a service. Each service template instance of the one or more service template instances comprises data that defines a reference to the respective service template definition. The method further comprises receiving a reply from the chain controller.

It is provided a method, comprising monitoring if a request to provide a service for a first network function is received; acquiring a stored service level requirement for the service if the request is received; checking whether an instance of a second network function providing the service fulfills the service level requirement; inhibiting providing an identifier of the instance of the second network function to the first network function in response to the request if the instance of the second network function does not fulfill the service level requirement.

A network function virtualization (NFV) compute element installs an image supporting a virtualized network function (VNF) on the element. The image includes instructions/data to initiate a TCP connection between the element and a Software Defined Network (SDN) controller upon reboot of the element. Upon rebooting, the element establishes, as client in accordance with the instructions/data, a TCP connection with the controller. The element then accepts, as a cryptographic network protocol server, a connection via the TCP connection from the controller as a client in accordance with the instructions. Next, the element accepts, as a network management protocol server, a connection via the cryptographic network protocol connection from the controller as network management protocol client. The element receives, from the controller over the network management protocol connection, commands regarding the status of the rebooted element, and then transmits, to the controller over the network management protocol connection, responses to the commands.

A network function virtualization (NFV) compute element installs an image supporting a virtualized network function (VNF) on the element. The image includes instructions/data to initiate a TCP connection between the element and a Software Defined Network (SDN) controller upon reboot of the element. Upon rebooting, the element establishes, as client in accordance with the instructions/data, a TCP connection with the controller. The element then accepts, as a cryptographic network protocol server, a connection via the TCP connection from the controller as a client in accordance with the instructions. Next, the element accepts, as a network management protocol server, a connection via the cryptographic network protocol connection from the controller as network management protocol client. The element receives, from the controller over the network management protocol connection, commands regarding the status of the rebooted element, and then transmits, to the controller over the network management protocol connection, responses to the commands.

Examples of services described herein expose an application programming interface (API) which may return the run-time configuration information. In this manner, software external to the service (e.g., an orchestrator) may query the service to determine the run-time configuration information, then provide both the initial configuration information known to the external software and the run-time configuration information to an Internet-facing gateway. Examples described herein may accordingly avoid or reduce instances of an upgrade dependency. When the service is upgraded, the run-time configuration information may be obtained by calling the API without a need to also upgrade the software external to the service.

A system and method for enabling a cloud computing environment. In accordance with an embodiment, the system can include a variety of hardware and/or software components and features, which can be used in delivering an infrastructure, platform, and/or applications to support public and private clouds.

A system and method for enabling a cloud computing environment. In accordance with an embodiment, the system can include a variety of hardware and/or software components and features, which can be used in delivering an infrastructure, platform, and/or applications to support public and private clouds.