Methods and apparatus for multi-provider virtual network services

Abstract

Embodiments herein provide methods and apparatus for providing multi-provider virtual network service. A first lifecycle management, LCM, component is provided controlled by a first service provider in a virtual network, wherein the virtual network comprises a trusted LCM component controlled by a trusted provider configured to provide a decentralised trust system between a plurality of LCM components controlled by different service providers in the virtual network. The first LCM component may perform a method comprising receiving a service request to provide a first service; responsive to a determination that the first service cannot be fully provided by the first service provider, generating a first tag representing a portion of the first service that the first service provider cannot provide; transmitting a discovery request to the trusted LCM component, wherein the discovery request comprises the first tag; receiving, from the trusted LCM component based on the first tag, a list of LCM components comprising a second LCM component controlled by a second service provider, wherein the second service provider is capable of providing a part of the portion of the first service; and transmitting a provision request to the second LCM component to provide the part of the portion of the first service.