Robust Deep Reinforcement Learning Algorithm for VNF-FG Embedding

Network slicing, also known as the virtual network embedding (VNE) problem, is an NP-hard optimization problem. Compared to traditional approaches, the methods relying on deep reinforcement learning yield better performance without exhibiting issues such as stacking at local minima and/or solutions’ space exploration limits. These algorithms present, however, different performances according to the employed approach, and the problem to be treated, resulting in robustness problems. To overcome these limits, we propose the adoption of the best algorithm, from a selection of learning strategies, in terms of reward and sample efficiency at each time step. The proposed strategy acts as a meta-algorithm that brings more robustness to the network by dynamically selecting the best solution for a specific scenario. Our solution proved its efficiency and managed to dynamically select the best algorithm in terms of the best acceptance ratio of the deployed services and outperform all the standalone algorithms.