Migration for Cloud-Native VNF in Open Source MANO

The rapid evolution of virtualization technology and mobile communication networks has given rise to Network Function Virtualization (NFV), which is revolutionizing networking by virtualizing traditional services like routers and switches. Conventional VNFs, which operate as virtual machines on standard servers, exhibit resource inefficiencies and scalability challenges. To overcome these limitations, cloud-native VNFs have emerged as a more agile alternative. These cloud-native VNFs capitalize on microservices and containers to achieve improved scalability, agility, and portability. However, managing these cloud-native VNFs, particularly in edge computing scenarios, presents inherent complexities. To address these challenges, our study introduces Virtual Network Function Migration (VNF-M), which is a specialized tool meticulously crafted for achieving the live migration of cloud-native VNFs within the Open Source MANO (OSM) ecosystem. We specifically focus on Kubernetes-based platforms that are integrated into the OSM. By harnessing advanced checkpointing and restoration mechanisms, VNF-M empowers the seamless and rapid migration of microservices and applications, effectively addressing the critical need for low-latency applications in edge computing environments.

I. Introduction

With the advancement of virtualization technology and the evolution of mobile communication network equipment, the concept of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) has emerged [1]. NFV aims to virtualize network services (e.g., routers, switches, and firewalls) and decouple hardware from services, allowing for more flexible and efficient deployment.