At&t Intellectual Property I, L.p.

Robert M Higgins

Mark Jeffrey Foladare

Dean Bragg

Julio A Cartaya

John Ng

Steven Alan Siegel

A network functions virtualization (NFV) network can be configured to operate according to NFV protocols that decouple software functionality from specific hardware elements. A referent system can be provided that identifies a precise physical location of devices associated with the NFV network relative to other equipment or devices associated with the NFV network.

Referent system for devices of an NFV network

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a method including selecting a solution set of devices from a set of candidate devices connected to a network to provide a service via a virtual device, generating a virtual finite state machine to control execution of the required functions of the virtual device via selected capabilities of each device of the solution set of devices transmitting, to a controller device of the solution set of devices, the virtual finite state machine, wherein execution of the virtual finite state machine by the controller device causes the controller device to control the required functions of the virtual device via the selected capabilities of each device of the solution set of devices, and transmitting, to non-controller devices of the solution set of devices, software data and configuration data, wherein execution of the software data at the non-controller devices according to the configuration data causes the non-controller devices to perform the selected capabilities according to signals sent by the controller device.

Method and apparatus for extending service capabilities in a communication network

Aspects of the subject disclosure may include, for example, a process that includes receiving first input defining a relationship between first and second entities, generating a first rule based on the first input, wherein the first rule determines accessibility of a networked service, and associating the first rule with the relationship. The first rule modifies settings of a service management infrastructure to effectuate the first rule in accordance with the relationship, wherein the service management infrastructure provides access to the networked service based on the accessibility. Other embodiments are disclosed.

System and method for managing electronic interactions based on defined relationships

A request to instantiate a first service is received. The first service is subject to policy constraints including a location. It is determined that a first set of resources at the location is required for instantiation of the first service. The first set of resources is reallocated to the first service from a second service. The first service is instantiated at the location utilizing the first set of resources reallocated.

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Manasquan, NJ, United States of America

Robert M Higgins