{"schema_version":"1.0","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854048","patent":{"patent_number":"US-9854048","title":"Network function virtualization (NFV) hardware trust in data communication systems","assignee":null,"inventors":[],"filing_date":"2015-06-29T00:00:00.000Z","publication_date":"2017-12-26T00:00:00.000Z","cpc_codes":["H04L","G06F","H04L","H04L","H04W","G06F"],"num_claims":20,"abstract":"A Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Management and Orchestration (MANO) data communication system drives an NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) to support a Network Service (NS). The NFV MANO system exchanges hardware trust data with a hardware-trusted subsystem in the NFVI to maintain hardware trust with the NFVI subsystem. The NFV MANO system exchanges NS data with an operations system and responsively exchanges network data to drive the NFVI to execute a Virtual Network Function (VNF) externally to the hardware-trusted subsystem to support the NS. The NFV MANO system also exchanges trust data for the NS with the operations system and responsively exchanges network data with the hardware-trusted subsystem to drive the subsystem to execute the VNF to support the NS."},"analysis":{"summary":"Network Function Virtualization (nfv) Hardware Trust in Data Communication Systems introduces a system to ensure hardware trust in Network Function Virtualization (NFV) environments. The system addresses the problem of securing virtualized network functions (VNFs) by verifying the integrity of the underlying hardware infrastructure. The key technical approach involves integrating hardware trust mechanisms into the NFV Management and Orchestration (MANO) framework, leveraging a hardware-trusted subsystem within the NFV Infrastructure (NFVI). This subsystem exchanges hardware trust data with the MANO system, allowing it to make informed decisions about VNF placement, dynamically choosing whether to execute VNFs within the trusted subsystem or externally, based on the security requirements of the network service.\n\nThe business value lies in enabling network operators to confidently deploy sensitive applications in NFV environments, reducing the risk of data breaches and improving overall network security. This opens up new market opportunities for NFV solutions in industries with stringent security requirements, such as finance and healthcare. The invention provides a competitive advantage by offering a more secure and reliable NFV platform, attracting customers who prioritize security. Furthermore, the system's interoperability focus ensures seamless integration with existing NFV infrastructure, reducing implementation costs and time to market.\n\nThe market opportunity for this technology is significant, as the adoption of NFV continues to grow. As more organizations migrate their network functions to virtualized environments, the need for hardware trust will become increasingly critical. This patent provides a valuable solution to this challenge, paving the way for a more secure and reliable future for network virtualization. The system's ability to dynamically place VNFs based on security requirements also allows for optimized resource utilization, further enhancing its business value.","layman_explanation":"Network Function Virtualization (nfv) Hardware Trust in Data Communication Systems addresses a critical security gap in modern network infrastructure. As companies move their network functions from physical hardware to software running in the cloud (a process called Network Function Virtualization or NFV), they face a new challenge: how to ensure the underlying hardware running that software is secure and trustworthy. If a hacker gains control of the hardware, they can potentially compromise all the network functions running on it.\n\nThis patent describes a system that verifies the security of the hardware before allowing any network functions to run. Think of it like a bouncer at a club, checking IDs to make sure only authorized people get in. In this case, the system checks the 'ID' of the hardware to ensure it hasn't been tampered with and is running the correct software. This is done through a combination of hardware and software techniques that create a 'root of trust'.\n\nWhy does this matter? Because it allows businesses to confidently deploy sensitive applications in the cloud without worrying about hardware-level attacks. This opens up new market opportunities for cloud providers and allows companies to take advantage of the cost savings and flexibility of NFV. The competitive advantage comes from offering a more secure and reliable NFV platform. Imagine two cloud providers: one with this hardware trust system and one without. Which one would a bank or hospital choose to run their critical applications?\n\nWhat's next? As NFV becomes more widespread, expect to see increased adoption of hardware trust technologies like this one. This will drive innovation in both hardware and software security and create new opportunities for companies that can provide trusted NFV solutions. Investors should pay attention to companies that are developing and deploying these technologies, as they are likely to be leaders in the future of cloud computing.","technical_analysis":"Network Function Virtualization (nfv) Hardware Trust in Data Communication Systems describes a system for ensuring hardware trust in Network Function Virtualization (NFV) environments. The technical architecture involves integrating hardware trust mechanisms into the NFV Management and Orchestration (MANO) framework. The system leverages a hardware-trusted subsystem within the NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) to verify the integrity of the hardware.\n\nThe implementation details involve defining a well-defined interface for exchanging hardware trust data between the MANO system and the hardware-trusted subsystem. This interface allows for seamless integration with existing NFV infrastructure. The system also incorporates mechanisms for monitoring the health and security of the hardware. If a security breach is detected, the system can automatically take corrective actions, such as migrating VNFs to a more secure environment. Algorithm specifics are not explicitly detailed in the abstract or description, but the system likely employs cryptographic algorithms for verifying the integrity of the hardware and the authenticity of the trust data.\n\nThe integration patterns involve integrating the hardware-trusted subsystem into the existing NFV infrastructure. This requires careful planning and execution to minimize disruption to existing network services. The system's performance characteristics will depend on the specific hardware security technologies used in the hardware-trusted subsystem. However, the dynamic VNF placement capability allows for optimized resource utilization, mitigating any potential performance overhead. The code-level implications involve implementing the well-defined interface for exchanging hardware trust data and incorporating the necessary security checks into the MANO system. This requires expertise in both NFV and hardware security technologies.","business_analysis":"Network Function Virtualization (nfv) Hardware Trust in Data Communication Systems presents a significant business opportunity in the growing NFV market. The market opportunity size is substantial, as more organizations migrate their network functions to virtualized environments. The competitive advantages lie in the system's ability to provide a more secure and reliable NFV platform, attracting customers who prioritize security. The revenue potential is significant, as the system can be sold as a standalone product or integrated into existing NFV solutions.\n\nThe business models include licensing the technology to NFV vendors, offering managed security services, and providing consulting services for implementing the system. The strategic positioning involves targeting industries with stringent security requirements, such as finance and healthcare. The ROI projections are positive, as the system can reduce the risk of data breaches and improve overall network security, leading to significant cost savings. Furthermore, the system's ability to dynamically place VNFs based on security requirements allows for optimized resource utilization, further enhancing its business value.","faqs":null,"topics":["NFV hardware trust","network virtualization security","cloud security","virtual network functions","VNF security","network","function","virtualization"],"tech_cluster":null},"seo":{"title":"NFV Hardware Trust - Patent US-9854048","description":"Secure your virtualized networks with this hardware trust system. Full patent analysis, claims, and technical details available.","keywords":["NFV hardware trust","network virtualization security","cloud security","virtual network functions","VNF security","patent","patent US-9854048"]},"attribution":{"source":"Patentable","source_url":"https://patentable.app","canonical_url":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854048","license":"CC-BY-4.0-like","license_terms":"AI-generated analysis on this page (summary, layman_explanation, technical_analysis, business_analysis, faqs) may be reused with attribution and a visible link back to the canonical URL above. Patent abstracts, claims, and bibliographic data are USPTO public domain.","required_link":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854048","citation_suggestion":"Patentable. \"Network function virtualization (NFV) hardware trust in data communication systems\" (US-9854048). https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854048","copyright_holder":"Nomic Interactive Technology LLC"},"links":{"html":"https://patentable.app/patents/US-9854048","json":"https://patentable.app/api/llm-context/US-9854048","site":"https://patentable.app","llms_txt":"https://patentable.app/llms.txt"},"generated_at":"2026-05-30T13:42:07.993Z"}