Conflict resolution in network virtualization scenarios

A system comprising:

• a first network function virtualization orchestrator for managing a first virtualized network service,
• a second network function virtualization orchestrator for managing a second virtualized network service managed, wherein
• a virtualized network function is utilized by the first virtualized network service and the second virtualized network service,
• wherein
• said first network function virtualization orchestrator is configured to:
• request an alteration of the virtualized network function;
• determine whether the alteration of the virtualized network function impacts the second virtualized network service;
• in response to determining that the alteration of the virtualized network function does not impact the second virtualized network service:
• approving the alteration of the virtualized network function;
• and
• causing the first network function virtualization orchestrator to implement the alteration by scaling the virtualized network function;
• in response determining that the alteration of the virtualized network function impacts the second virtualized network service:
• sending, to the second network function virtualization orchestrator, a request for approval of the alteration of the virtualized network function;
• receiving a reply to the request for approval, the reply comprising an alternative alteration of the virtualized network function;
• causing the alternative alteration of the virtualized network function by instantiating a local instance of the virtualized network function,
• wherein said second network function virtualization orchestrator is configured to:
• receive the request for approval of the alteration of the virtualized network function;
• and
• send the reply to the request for approval, the reply comprising the alternative alteration of the virtualized network function for the first network function virtualization orchestrator to implement.

An apparatus comprising:

• at least one processor;
• and
• at least one memory storing instructions of a first network function virtualization orchestrator for managing a first virtualized network service, wherein the instructions when executed by the at least one processor cause the apparatus to perform operations, the operations comprising:
• requesting an alteration of a virtualized network function;
• transmitting information indicative of the alteration of the virtualized network function to a second network function virtualization orchestrator for managing a second virtualized network service, wherein the virtualized network function is utilized by the first virtualized network service and the second virtualized network service;
• determining whether the alteration of the virtualized network function impacts the second virtualized network service;
• in response to determining, by the first network function virtualization orchestrator, that the alteration of the virtualized network function does not impact the second virtualized network service:
• approving the alteration of the virtualized network function;
• causing the alteration of the virtualized network function by scaling the virtualized network function;
• and
• in response determining that the alteration of the virtualized network function impacts the second virtualized network service:
• sending a request for approval of the alteration of the virtualized network function;
• receiving a reply to the request for approval, the reply comprising an alternative alteration of the virtualized network function;
• and
• causing the alternative alteration of the virtualized network function by instantiating a local instance of the virtualized network function.