Distributed search for ordered VNFs configuring service chaining based on in-network guidance

In recent years, network function visualization (NFV), which attempts to provide services flexibly by virtualizing network functions on a general-purpose server, has attracted attention. Here, Service Chaining, which dynamically connects each network function (virtual network function: VNF), is critical. However, as it is difficult to select the optimum VNF, in a decentralized manner, especially the distances between the VNFs tend to increase, leading to larger communication and processing delays. Therefore, in this paper, we propose a distributed search method for ordered VNFs to suppress delays while considering the control server load, with an in-network guidance technology for query messages.