Nokia Solutions and Networks Gmbh & Co. Kg

Marco Hoffmann

Klaus Hoffmann

Hans-Jochen Morper

Sascha Kallin

Franz Rambach

An apparatus, comprising an enhanced function block and a stateless function block; main routing means for routing, based on a header of a data packet and an incoming port, the data packet to one of the enhanced function block and the stateless function block; wherein the enhanced function blocks comprises providing means for providing an information comprised in the data packet to a control device; an enhanced function means for executing an enhanced function on the data packet to obtain a first processed data packet addressed to a destination address, wherein the enhanced function is based on an instruction for the data packet received in response to the provided information; and a first routing means for routing the first processed data packet to the destination address; and the stateless function blocks comprises a stateless function means for executing a stateless function on the data packet, wherein the stateless function is not based on an instruction for the data packet received in response to providing information comprised in the data packet to a control device, in order to, thus, obtain a second processed data packet; and returning means for returning the second processed data packet to the main routing means.

Network consolidation by means of virtualization

A mechanism for improving a reliability of a virtual network and resources used. At a virtual network operator level, a request for providing resources for the virtual network is sent towards an infrastructure provider level. The request includes an indication regarding a required availability and reliability level which is to be achieved by the resources of the virtual network. At an infrastructure provider level the request is processed in order to determine the required availability and reliability level, and it is checked whether the required availability and reliability level is achievable for the resources to be provided for the virtual network. A result (confirmation or denial) of the check is sent back to the virtual network operator level.

Control mechanism for reliability and availability setting in virtual networks

A controller receives a request for the provision of a slice of a network to a virtual network operator. The controller determines whether the slice can be provided from existing resources, whether the slice can be provided if the existing resources are re-configured, or whether the slice can only be provided if additional resources are obtained. The controller then automatically takes the action required in order to provide the requested slice. The controller can also be used to release resources that are no longer required. Additionally, the controller can be used to re-optimize the network on request.

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Munich, Germany

Marco Hoffmann