{"title":"LPulse: An efficient algorithm for service function chain placement and routing with delay guarantee","authors":"","doi":"10.1016/j.comnet.2024.110728","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<div><p>Modern network services increasingly depend on the effective orchestration of the Service Function Chain (SFC) with stringent end-to-end delay guarantees. To achieve this, the Delay-Constrained Service Function Chain Placement and Routing (DC-SFCPR) problem must be addressed. This problem involves the optimal selection of nodes for placing network functions and routes that adhere to a specific sequence of service functions, to minimize network bandwidth and CPU costs while strictly adhering to stringent end-to-end delay constraints. The DC-SFCPR problem is NP-hard and existing algorithms either fail to guarantee strict delay constraints or are computationally expensive, making them unsuitable for expanding network topologies. We propose the LPulse algorithm, designed to efficiently solve the DC-SFCPR problem. This algorithm utilizes a layered graph to embed the requirements of service functions, transforming the DC-SFCPR problem into a Delay-Constrained Shortest Path (DCSP) problem. The LPulse algorithm then applies Pulse, a depth-first search framework enhanced with efficient pruning strategies, and incorporates two novel acceleration strategies to solve the DCSP problem. We prove that LPulse ensures the optimality of solutions. Evaluations conducted across various topologies, with node scales ranging from 22 to 10,000, show that LPulse surpasses existing algorithms in both solution quality and speed. For instance, the number of cases meeting strict delay constraints with LPulse is <span><math><mrow><mn>1</mn><mo>.</mo><mn>9</mn><mo>×</mo></mrow></math></span> that of those solved by deep reinforcement learning algorithms; furthermore, its solving efficiency is <span><math><mrow><mn>4</mn><mo>.</mo><mn>9</mn><mo>×</mo></mrow></math></span> that of the highest-performing existing optimal algorithm, the LagrangianKsp algorithm.</p></div>","PeriodicalId":50637,"journal":{"name":"Computer Networks","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":4.4000,"publicationDate":"2024-08-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Computer Networks","FirstCategoryId":"94","ListUrlMain":"https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389128624005607","RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"计算机科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"COMPUTER SCIENCE, HARDWARE & ARCHITECTURE","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Modern network services increasingly depend on the effective orchestration of the Service Function Chain (SFC) with stringent end-to-end delay guarantees. To achieve this, the Delay-Constrained Service Function Chain Placement and Routing (DC-SFCPR) problem must be addressed. This problem involves the optimal selection of nodes for placing network functions and routes that adhere to a specific sequence of service functions, to minimize network bandwidth and CPU costs while strictly adhering to stringent end-to-end delay constraints. The DC-SFCPR problem is NP-hard and existing algorithms either fail to guarantee strict delay constraints or are computationally expensive, making them unsuitable for expanding network topologies. We propose the LPulse algorithm, designed to efficiently solve the DC-SFCPR problem. This algorithm utilizes a layered graph to embed the requirements of service functions, transforming the DC-SFCPR problem into a Delay-Constrained Shortest Path (DCSP) problem. The LPulse algorithm then applies Pulse, a depth-first search framework enhanced with efficient pruning strategies, and incorporates two novel acceleration strategies to solve the DCSP problem. We prove that LPulse ensures the optimality of solutions. Evaluations conducted across various topologies, with node scales ranging from 22 to 10,000, show that LPulse surpasses existing algorithms in both solution quality and speed. For instance, the number of cases meeting strict delay constraints with LPulse is that of those solved by deep reinforcement learning algorithms; furthermore, its solving efficiency is that of the highest-performing existing optimal algorithm, the LagrangianKsp algorithm.
期刊介绍:
Computer Networks is an international, archival journal providing a publication vehicle for complete coverage of all topics of interest to those involved in the computer communications networking area. The audience includes researchers, managers and operators of networks as well as designers and implementors. The Editorial Board will consider any material for publication that is of interest to those groups.