An Approach for Network Function Combination Based on Least Busy Placement Algorithm

Recently, integrating Softwaredefined networking(SDN) and network functions virtualization(NFV) are proposed to address the issue that difficulty and cost of hardwarebased and proprietary middleboxes management. However, it lacks of a framework that orchestrates network functions to service chain in the network cooperatively. In this paper, we propose a function combination framework that can dynamically adapt the network based on the integration NFV and SDN. There are two main contributions in this paper. First, the function combination framework based on the integration of SDN and NFV is proposed to address the function combination issue, including the architecture of Service Deliver Network, the port types representing traffic directions and the explanation of terms. Second, we formulate the issue of load balance of function combination as the model minimizing the standard deviations of all servers' loads and satisfying the demand of performance and limit of resource. The least busy placement algorithm is introduced to approach optimal solution of the problem. Finally, experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method can combine functions in an efficient and scalable way and ensure the load balance of the network.