Cost-efficient joint virtual network function (vnf) decomposition and migration

An apparatus operative to embed a network service (NS) in a network comprising a plurality of nodes, the apparatus comprising processing circuitry and a memory, the memory containing instructions executable by the processing circuitry whereby the apparatus is operative to:

• execute a first topological decomposition of the NS considering the network when loaded;
• execute a second topological decomposition of the NS considering the network when unloaded;
• migrate at least one existing virtual network function (VNF) that can be reused for the NS to another node of the network upon determination, based on comparing the first and second topological decompositions, that the at least one VNF needs to be migrated;
• and
• embed each virtual network function (VNF) of the NS within the plurality of nodes of the network.

A non-transitory computer readable media having stored thereon instructions for embedding a network service (NS) in a network comprising a plurality of nodes, the instructions comprising:

• executing a first topological decomposition of the NS considering the network when loaded;
• executing a second topological decomposition of the NS considering the network when unloaded;
• migrating at least one existing virtual network function (VNF) that can be reused for the NS to another node of the network upon determination, based on comparing the first and second topological decompositions, that the at least one VNF needs to be migrated;
• and
• embedding each virtual network function (VNF) of the NS within the plurality of nodes of the network.