Ciena Corporation
Hierarchical coherency for network function virtualization

Abstract:

Applying a virtual network function (VNF) chain includes storing, in a shared data repository, configuration data used to configure VNFs of the VNF chain within a network node. Hierarchical version control of the configuration data allows VNF's, which are logically arranged in a sequential fashion, yet have the ability to process frames in parallel, to track which frames are governed by a hierarchy that may be manipulated based on external events such as fail-overs, or configuration changes.