Patent attributes
A method for universal scaling of software network functions involves receiving, at a switch of a network, a batch of data units during a first period. The network further includes one or more network function (NF) instances of an NF service, and a scaling controller. The switch transmits one or more units of data during the first period to an NF instance of the NF service. An estimated maximum safe data unit rate is determined for the NF instance, and a representative safe data unit rate is determined for the NF service. A total number of data units designated to be received by the NF service during the first period is determined, and a total number of NF instances of the NF service to be provisioned in the network is determined at the scaling controller using the estimated total number of data units and the representative safe data unit rate.