Graph neural network-based virtual network function deployment optimization

Software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV) help reduce the operating expenditure (OPEX) and capital expenditure (CAPEX) as well as increase the network flexibility and agility. However, since the network is more dynamic and heterogeneous than before, operators have problems to cope with the increased complexity of managing virtual networks and machines. This complexity is paired with strict time requirements for making management decisions; traditional mechanisms that rely on, for example, integer linear programming (ILP) models are no longer feasible. Machine learning has emerged as one of the possible solution to address network management problems to get near-optimal solutions in a short time. However, applying machine learning to network management is also not simple and has many challenges. Especially, understanding the network environment is an important problem for designing a machine learning model. In this paper, we proposed to use graph neural network (GNN) for virtual network function (VNF) management. The proposed model solves the complex VNF management problem in a short time and gets near-optimal solutions. We developed a model by taking into account various network environment conditions so that it can be applied in the actual network environment. Also, through in-depth experiments, we suggested the direction of the machine learning-based network management method.