Management of a Virtual Network Function

A method of operating a virtual network function manager for management of a virtual network function, the method comprising:

• receiving a first request to manage a virtual network function, wherein the first request comprises an indication of whether to select an alternative virtual resource for allocation if a requested virtual resource is unavailable for allocation;
• transmitting a second request for a virtual resource associated with the first request to manage the virtual network function, the requested virtual resource having one or more predefined characteristics;
• if a response is received that indicates the virtual resource having the one or more predefined characteristics is unavailable for allocation:
• selecting an alternative virtual resource for allocation, the alternative virtual resource having one or more alternative characteristics comprising at least one alternative characteristic that is different to a corresponding one of the predefined characteristics.

A virtual network function manager arranged to manage a virtual network function, the virtual network function manager comprising processing circuitry configured to:

• receive a first request to manage a virtual network function, wherein the first request comprises an indication of whether to select an alternative virtual resource for allocation if a requested virtual resource is unavailable for allocation;
• transmit a second request for a virtual resource associated with the first request to manage the virtual network function, the requested virtual resource having one or more predefined characteristics;
• and
• if a response is received that indicates the virtual resource having the one or more predefined characteristics is unavailable for allocation:
• select an alternative virtual resource for allocation, the alternative virtual resource having one or more alternative characteristics comprising at least one alternative characteristic that is different to a corresponding one of the predefined characteristics.

A virtualisation environment comprising:

• a virtual network function manager arranged to manage a virtual network function, the virtual network function manager comprising processing circuitry configured to:
• receive a first request to manage a virtual network function, wherein the first request comprises an indication of whether to select an alternative virtual resource for allocation if a requested virtual resource is unavailable for allocation;
• transmit a second request for a virtual resource associated with the first request to manage the virtual network function, the requested virtual resource having one or more predefined characteristics;
• and
• if a response is received that indicates the virtual resource having the one or more predefined characteristics is unavailable for allocation:
• select an alternative virtual resource for allocation, the alternative virtual resource having one or more alternative characteristics comprising at least one alternative characteristic that is different to a corresponding one of the predefined characteristics;
• and
• wherein the virtualization environment further comprises a network functions virtualisation orchestration comprising processing circuitry configured to transmit the first request to manage the virtual network function.