Patent attributes
A method (200) of managing a communications network comprising a plurality of hosts by allocating instances of virtual network function components, VNFC, to hosts, the method comprising receiving (210) a request for allocation of an instance of a VNFC to a host, the instance belonging to an anti-affinity group, AAG, of instances and attempting allocation (220) of the instance to a host. If allocation of the instance fails (230) because for each host considered for allocation of the instance a first number of instances, WA, belonging to the AAG that are allocable to a single host would be exceeded by allocation of the instance to the host the method comprises assigning (232) to the instance a second number of instances, WA′, belonging to the AAG that are allocable to a single host, wherein WA′ is greater than WA and reattempting allocation (234) of the instance. Following successful allocation, if sufficient capacity for the instance subsequently becomes available on another host and if the WA of the instance would not be exceeded by allocation of the instance to the other host, migrating (236) the instance to the other host; or following unsuccessful allocation, if there is sufficient capacity for the instance available on at least one host, increasing WA′ of the instance and recommencing by reattempting allocation (238).
