Virtual network function migration

One or more tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage mediums having stored thereon executable instructions to:

• determine that a first virtual network function (VNF) instance, providing a virtual service appliance on a virtual network, is to be migrated;
• provision a second VNF instance of the virtual service appliance;
• copy configuration data and billing or statistical data from the first VNF instance to the second VNF instance;
• snapshot in-flight traffic data of the first VNF instance;
• while the first VNF instance is running, start the second VNF instance with the snapshot of the in-flight traffic data;
• after determining that the second VNF instance has reached a state to handle traffic, halt the first VNF instance and begin directing traffic to the second VNF instance without attempting to synchronize in-flight traffic data between the first VNF instance and second VNF instance;
• and
• retroactively correct the billing or statistical data of the second VNF instance.

A computer-implemented method, comprising:

• determining that a first virtual network function (VNF) instance, providing a virtual service appliance on a virtual network, is to be migrated;
• provisioning a second VNF instance of the virtual service appliance;
• copying configuration data and billing or statistical data from the first VNF instance to the second VNF instance;
• snapshot in-flight traffic data of the first VNF instance;
• while the first VNF instance is running, starting the second VNF instance with the snapshot of the in-flight traffic data;
• after determining that the second VNF instance has reached a state to handle traffic, halting the first VNF instance and begin directing traffic to the second VNF instance without attempting to synchronize in-flight traffic data between the first VNF instance and second VNF instance;
• and
• retroactively correcting the billing or statistical data of the second VNF instance.