EP3433735A1

EP3433735A1 - Method and system to perform performance measurements job operations

Info

Publication number: EP3433735A1
Application number: EP16779230.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Joey Chou
Original assignee: Intel IP Corp
Current assignee: Apple Inc
Priority date: 2016-03-23
Filing date: 2016-09-21
Publication date: 2019-01-30
Also published as: WO2017164931A1; TW201735679A

Abstract

Methods and system to perform performance measurements job operations in a network function virtualization (NFV) network are discussed. An example system includes an apparatus configured to be employed within a network manager (NM) of the NFV network comprising one or more processors configured to: output an NM request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs to an element manager (EM); and process an EM response received from the EM, in response to the NM request, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter indicating a result of the respective PM jobs. The NM request can comprise a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM TO PERFORM PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS JOB

OPERATIONS

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No.

62/312,344 filed March 23, 2016, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEM TO PERFORM PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS JOB OPERATIONS", the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to wireless technology, and more specifically to performance measurements of virtual network functions (VNFs) of a network function virtualization network of a wireless network.

BACKGROUND

[0003] Network Function Virtualization (NFV) involves the replacement of physical network nodes with Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) implemented via Virtualization Resources (VRs) that perform the same function as the physical node.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0004] Fig. 1 depicts a network function virtualization (NFV) system/network that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations in connection with various aspects described herein.

[0005] Fig. 2 illustrates an example flow diagram that depicts a signal flow between the various entities in a NFV network that facilitates to perform the PM job operations according to various aspects described herein.

[0006] FIG. 3a is a diagram illustrating components of a network in accordance with some embodiments.

[0007] Fig. 3b is a block diagram illustrating components, according to some example embodiments, able to read instructions from a machine-readable or computer- readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable storage medium) and perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. [0008] Fig. 4 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus included within a Network Manager (NM) that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations associated with an NFV network, according to various aspects described herein.

[0009] Fig. 5 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus included within an Element Manager (EM) that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations associated with an NFV network, according to various aspects described herein.

[0010] Fig. 6 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus included within a Virtualized Network Function Manager (VNFM) that facilitates to perform performance

measurement (PM) job operations associated with an NFV network, according to various aspects described herein.

[0011] Fig. 7 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus included within a Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations associated with an NFV network, according to various aspects described herein.

[0012] Fig. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method for a network manager (NM) of a network function virtualization network, that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0013] Fig. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method for an element manager (EM) of a network function virtualization network, that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0014] Fig. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method for a Virtualized Network Function Manager (VNFM) of a network function virtualization network, that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

[0015] Fig. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method for a Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) of a network function virtualization network, that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations, according to various embodiments of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus configured to be employed within a network manager (NM) in a network function virtualization (NFV) network of a wireless network is disclosed. The apparatus comprises one or more processors and a memory including instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors to output an NM request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs to an element manager (EM) in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to stop a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs. In some embodiments, the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to process an EM response received from the EM, in response to the NM request, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the respective PM jobs.

[0017] In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus configured to be employed within an element manager (EM) in a network function virtualization (NFV) network of a wireless network is disclosed. The apparatus comprises one or more processors and a memory including instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors to process a network manager (NM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an NM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to stop or delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs and output an EM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized network function manager (VNFM), wherein the EM request is generated based on the received NM request. In some embodiments, the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to process a VNFM response received from the VNFM in response to the EM request, wherein the VNFM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs; and output an EM response generated based on the received VNFM response, to the NM, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the respective PM jobs.

[0018] In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus configured to be employed within a virtualized network function manager (VNFM), in a network function virtualization (NFV) network of a wireless network is disclosed. The apparatus comprises one or more processors and a memory including instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors to process an element manager (EM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an EM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs. In some embodiments, the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to output a VNFM response to the EM, in response to the EM request, wherein the VNFM response comprises information on the respective identifiers that identify the one or more PM jobs.

[0019] In one embodiment of the disclosure, an apparatus configured to be employed within a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM), in a network function virtualization (NFV) network of a wireless network is disclosed. The apparatus comprises one or more processors; and a memory including instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors to process a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from a VNFM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the one or more PM jobs is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs. In some embodiments, the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to output a VIM response to the VNFM, in response to the VNFM request, wherein the VIM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs.

[0020] The present disclosure will now be described with reference to the attached drawing figures, wherein like reference numerals are used to refer to like elements throughout, and wherein the illustrated structures and devices are not necessarily drawn to scale. As utilized herein, terms "component," "system," "interface," and the like are intended to refer to a computer-related entity, hardware, software (e.g., in execution), and/or firmware. For example, a component can be a processor (e.g., a microprocessor, a controller, or other processing device), a process running on a processor, a controller, an object, an executable, a program, a storage device, a computer, a tablet PC and/or a user equipment (e.g., mobile phone, etc.) with a processing device. By way of illustration, an application running on a server and the server can also be a component. One or more components can reside within a process, and a component can be localized on one computer and/or distributed between two or more computers. A set of elements or a set of other components can be described herein, in which the term "set" can be interpreted as "one or more."

[0021] Further, these components can execute from various computer readable storage media having various data structures stored thereon such as with a module, for example. The components can communicate via local and/or remote processes such as in accordance with a signal having one or more data packets (e.g., data from one component interacting with another component in a local system, distributed system, and/or across a network, such as, the Internet, a local area network, a wide area network, or similar network with other systems via the signal).

[0022] As another example, a component can be an apparatus with specific functionality provided by mechanical parts operated by electric or electronic circuitry, in which the electric or electronic circuitry can be operated by a software application or a firmware application executed by one or more processors. The one or more processors can be internal or external to the apparatus and can execute at least a part of the software or firmware application. As yet another example, a component can be an apparatus that provides specific functionality through electronic components without mechanical parts; the electronic components can include one or more processors therein to execute software and/or firmware that confer(s), at least in part, the functionality of the electronic components. [0023] Use of the word exemplary is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. As used in this application, the term "or" is intended to mean an inclusive "or" rather than an exclusive "or". That is, unless specified otherwise, or clear from context, "X employs A or B" is intended to mean any of the natural inclusive permutations. That is, if X employs A; X employs B; or X employs both A and B, then "X employs A or B" is satisfied under any of the foregoing instances. In addition, the articles "a" and "an" as used in this application and the appended claims should generally be construed to mean "one or more" unless specified otherwise or clear from context to be directed to a singular form. Furthermore, to the extent that the terms "including", "includes", "having", "has", "with", or variants thereof are used in either the detailed description and the claims, such terms are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term

"comprising."

[0024] As used herein, the term "circuitry" may refer to, be part of, or include an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), an electronic circuit, a processor (shared, dedicated, or group), and/or memory (shared, dedicated, or group) that execute one or more software or firmware programs, a combinational logic circuit, and/or other suitable hardware components that provide the described functionality. In some embodiments, the circuitry may be implemented in, or functions associated with the circuitry may be implemented by, one or more software or firmware modules. In some embodiments, circuitry may include logic, at least partially operable in hardware.

[0025] Embodiments described herein may be implemented into a system using any suitably configured hardware and/or software. FIG. 3a illustrates components of a network in accordance with some embodiments. In various aspects, part(s) or all of one or more of the components illustrated in connection with FIG. 3a and network functions associated therewith, can be implemented as virtual network functions (VNFs) or VNF instances in connection with various aspects described herein. An Evolved Packet Core (EPC) network 380 is shown to include a Home Subscriber Server (HSS) 383, a Mobility Management Entity (MME) 384, a Serving GateWay (SGW) 385, a Packet Data

Network (PDN) GateWay (PGW) 386, a Policy and Charging Rules Function (PCRF) 387.

[0026] The HSS 383 comprises one or more databases for network users, including subscription-related information to support the network entities' handling of

communication sessions. For example, the HSS 383 may provide support for routing/roaming, authentication, authorization, naming/addressing resolution, location dependencies, etc. The EPC network 380 may comprise one or several HSSs 383, depending on the number of mobile subscribers, on the capacity of the equipment, on the organization of the network, etc.

[0027] The MME 384 is similar in function to the control plane of legacy Serving General packet radio service (GPRS) Support Nodes (SGSN). The MMEs 384 manage mobility aspects in access such as gateway selection and tracking area list

management. The EPC network 380 may comprise one or several MMEs 384

[0028] The SGW 385 terminates the interface toward an Evolved UMTS (Universal Mobile Telecommunications System) Terrestrial Radio Access Network (E-UTRAN), and routes data packets between the E-UTRAN and the EPC network 380. In addition, the SGW 385 may be a local mobility anchor point for inter-eNodeB handovers and also may provide an anchor for inter-3GPP mobility. Other responsibilities may include lawful intercept, charging, and some policy enforcement.

[0029] The PGW 386 terminates an SGi interface toward the PDN. The PGW 386 routes data packets between the EPC network 380 and external networks, and may be a node for policy enforcement and charging data collection. The PCRF 387 is the policy and charging control element of the EPC network 380. In a non-roaming scenario, there may be a single PCRF in the Home Public Land Mobile Network (HPLMN) associated with a User Equipment's (UE) Internet Protocol Connectivity Access Network (IP-CAN) session. In a roaming scenario with local breakout of traffic, there may be two PCRFs associated with a UE's IP-CAN session: a Home PCRF (H-PCRF) within a HPLMN and a Visited PCRF (V-PCRF) within a Visited Public Land Mobile Network (VPLMN). The PCRF 387 may be communicatively coupled to an application server (alternatively referred to as application function (AF)). Generally, the application server is an element offering applications that use Internet Protocol (IP) bearer resources with the core network (e.g., UMTS Packet Services (PS) domain, Long Term Evolution (LTE) PS data services, etc.). The application server may signal the PCRF 387 to indicate a new service flow and selecting the appropriate Quality of Service (QoS) and charging parameters. The PCRF 387 may provision this rule into a Policy and Charging

Enforcement Function (PCEF) (not shown) with the appropriate traffic flow template (TFT) and QoS class of identifier (QCI), which commences the QoS and charging as specified by the application server. [0030] The components of the EPC 380 may be implemented in one physical node or separate physical nodes. In some embodiments, Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) is utilized to virtualize any or all of the above described network node functions via executable instructions stored in one or more computer readable storage mediums (described in further detail below). A logical instantiation of the EPC network 380 may be referred to as a network slice 381 . A logical instantiation of a portion of the EPC network 380 may be referred to as a network sub-slice 382 (e.g., the network sub-slice 382 is shown to include the PGW 386 and the PCRF 387).

[0031] Fig. 3b is a block diagram illustrating components, according to some example embodiments, able to read instructions from a machine-readable or computer- readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable storage medium) and perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. Specifically, FIG. 3b shows a

diagrammatic representation of hardware resources 300 including one or more processors (or processor cores) 310, one or more memory/storage devices 320, and one or more communication resources 330, each of which are communicatively coupled via a bus 340. For embodiments where node virtualization (e.g., NFV) is utilized, a hypervisor 302 may be executed to provide an execution environment for one or more network slices/sub-slices to utilize the hardware resources 300.

[0032] The processors 310 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU), a reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processor, a complex instruction set computing (CISC) processor, a graphics processing unit (GPU), a digital signal processor (DSP) such as a baseband processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a radio-frequency integrated circuit (RFIC), another processor, or any suitable combination thereof) may include, for example, a processor 312 and a processor 314. The memory/storage devices 320 may include main memory, disk storage, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0033] The communication resources 330 may include interconnection and/or network interface components or other suitable devices to communicate with one or more peripheral devices 304 and/or one or more databases 306 via a network 308. For example, the communication resources 330 may include wired communication components (e.g., for coupling via a Universal Serial Bus (USB)), cellular

communication components, Near Field Communication (NFC) components, Bluetooth® components (e.g., Bluetooth® Low Energy), Wi-Fi® components, and other communication components.

[0034] Instructions 350 may comprise software, a program, an application, an applet, an app, or other executable code for causing at least any of the processors 310 to perform any one or more of the methodologies discussed herein. The instructions 350 may reside, completely or partially, within at least one of the processors 310 (e.g., within the processor's cache memory), the memory/storage devices 320, or any suitable combination thereof. Furthermore, any portion of the instructions 350 may be transferred to the hardware resources 300 from any combination of the peripheral devices 304 and/or the databases 306. Accordingly, the memory of processors 31 0, the memory/storage devices 320, the peripheral devices 304, and the databases 306 are examples of computer-readable and machine-readable media.

[0035] Various embodiments described herein can facilitate to perform performance measurement job operations associated with performance measurement (PM) jobs configured to collect virtualized resources (VR) performance measurement (PM) data associated with Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) deployed in a network function virtualization infrastructure (NFVI) of an NFV network.

[0036] The performance of an application software is tightly coupled to the hardware resource on which the application software is running. For example, this can be when a web application is running so slowly that it may take minutes to display the web page that contains multimedia content, such as pictures, video, audio, text, etc. When this happens, a common response is to launch a task manager to see how the computer hardware is performing. The task manager can display the statistics of CPU, memory, disc, and network (i.e. WiFi, or Ethernet) usages.

[0037] The following are a few example scenarios that can be found from the task manager: (1 ) CPU 100%, memory 100%, network 70%, which may indicate that the computer is using all its resources to process the multimedia content; (2) CPU 10%, memory 40%, network 10%, which may indicate that the application server is too busy to provide the content on time; or (3) CPU 5%, memory 85%, network 30%, which may indicate that the application is pending on the availability of certain resources (e.g., memory) that have been exhausted due to unknown reasons.

[0038] These different scenarios can result from different circumstances, each of which can be analogous to scenarios that can occur in connection with Network Function Virtualization (NFV). To insure that the VNFs deployed on the NFV

infrastructure (NFVI) is able to deliver a consistent and acceptable service quality to end users, as well as to isolate and correct failure conditions at the most timely manner, the virtualized resource performance measurements are required. These performance measurements need to reflect the way VNFs are impacted by the NFVI services, and the inherent nature of the services being offered by the NFVI, for example, CPU, Virtual Machines, memory, and Virtual Networks.

[0039] In various embodiments, techniques described herein can be employed to perform performance measurement job operations associated with PM jobs configured to collect virtualized resources (VR) performance measurement (PM) data (e.g., CPU usage, memory usage etc.) associated with Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) deployed in a network function virtualization infrastructure (NFVI). In particular, in this disclosure, an apparatus and a method to perform PM job operations that include PM job creation, PM job deletion, PM job suspension, PM job resume, PM job listing and PM availability notification are proposed.

[0040] Referring to FIG. 1 , illustrated is a diagram of a network function virtualization (NFV) system/network 100 that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations in connection with various aspects described herein. The system illustrated in FIG. 1 comprises a Network Manager (NM) 102, Network Function

Virtualization (NFV) Orchestrator (NFVO) 104, Element Manager (EM) 106, a set of Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) or VNF instances, for example VNF1 108a and VNF2 108b virtualized by Virtualization Resources (VRs) of a NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) 108, a VNF Manager (VNFM) 1 10, and a Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) 1 12. The solid lines between these entities indicate the various reference points that facilitate data exchange between these entities, while the dashed and dotted lines indicate the flow of VR PM data.

[0041] For example, the reference point Ve-Vnfm-Em 109 between the EM 106 and the VNFM 1 10 facilitates a signal/data flow between the EM 1 06 and the VNFM 1 10, the reference point Itf-N 103 between the NM 102 and the EM 106 facilitates a signal/data flow between the NM 1 02 and the EM 1 06, the reference point Vi-Vnfm 1 1 1 between the VNFM 1 10 and the VIM 1 12 facilitates a signal/data flow between the VNFM 1 10 and the VIM 1 12, and the reference point Nf-Vi 107 between the VIM 1 12 and the NFVI 108 facilitates a signal/data flow between the VIM 1 12 and the NFVI 108. In some embodiments, the NFV network 100 enables to perform various PM job operations that include PM job creation, PM job deletion, PM job suspension, PM job resume, PM job listing and PM availability notification. In some embodiments. In some embodiments, the various reference points, for example, Ve-Vnfm-Em 109, Itf-N 103, Vi-Vnfm 1 1 1 , Nf- Vi 107 etc. support a capability to perform a signal/data flow associated with the various PM job operations.

[0042] For example, in one embodiment, in order to collect VR PM data associated with the VNFs (e.g., 108a, 108b) deployed on the NFVI 108, a PM job can be created. In such embodiments, the NM can create a PM job at the EM by sending request to the EM that contains the measurement types, and the periods for which the collection of the VR PM data is to be performed. Similarly, the EM can create a VR PM job at the VNFM by sending a request that contains the same information as received from the NM. Further, the VNFM can create a VR PM job at the VIM by sending a request that contains the same information as received from the EM. The VIM can request the NFVI to collect the VR PM data based on a schedule and time period defined in the VR PM job. In some embodiments, the VR PM data collected by the NFVI 108 are stored in data repositories, for example, repository 1 1 2a, repository 1 1 0a or repository 106a. In other embodiments, other PM job operations, for example, PM job deletion, PM job suspension etc. can also be performed. The signal flow associated with the different PM job operations are described in detail in subsequent embodiments below.

[0043] Fig. 2 illustrates an example flow diagram that depicts the signal flow between the various entities in a network function virtualization (NFV) network 200 that facilitates to perform PM job operations according to various aspects described herein. The NFV network 200 comprises a network manager (NM) 202, an element manager (EM) 204, a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) 206 and a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) 208. In some embodiments, the NFV network 200 further comprises an NFV infrastructure (NFVI) with virtualized network functions (VNFs) deployed using the virtualized resources of the NFVI (not shown). In some embodiments, the NFV network 200 is similar to the NFV network 100 described above with respect to Fig. 1 . In some embodiments, in order to perform a PM job operation associated with PM jobs, the NM 202 within the NFV network 200 is configured to initiate a signal flow associated therewith. The PM job operations include PM job creation, PM job deletion, PM job suspension, PM job resume and PM job listing. [0044] For example, in some embodiments, the NM 202 initiates a PM job operation by outputting/sending an NM request 210 comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs to the EM 204. In some embodiments, the NM request 210 comprises a request to create a PM job, a request to stop/delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs. Upon receiving the NM request 210, the EM 204 is configured to output an EM request 212 comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) 206. In some embodiments, the EM request 212 is generated at the EM 204, based on the received NM request 21 0. Upon receiving the EM request 21 2, the VNFM 206 is configured to output a VNFM request 214 comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) 208. In some embodiments, the VNFM request 214 is generated at the VNFM 206, based on the received EM request 212.

[0045] Upon processing the VNFM request 214, the VIM 208 is configured to output a VIM response 216 to the VNFM 206, in response to the VNFM request 214. In some embodiments, the VIM response 21 6 comprises information on identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs. Upon receiving the VIM response 216, the VNFM 206 is configured to output a VNFM response 218 to the EM 204, based on the received VIM response 218. In some embodiments, the VNFM response 218 comprises information on identifiers that identify the one or more PM jobs. Upon receiving the VNFM response 21 8, the EM 204 is configured to output an EM response 220 to the NM 202. In some embodiments, the EM response 220 is generated at the EM 204, based on the received VNFM response 218 and the EM response 220 comprises a parameter indicating a result of the respective PM jobs.

[0046] In one embodiment, where the PM job operation comprises a PM job creation, the NM request 210 comprises a request to create a PM job. In such embodiments, the NM request 210 includes job information parameters, for example, an object instance identifier, for example, a VNF instance identifier, iOCInstanceList and/or a VNF class identifier, iOCName, that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created. In some embodiments, the NM request 210 further include parameters that identify the measurement types to be collected (e.g., measurementCategoryList), reporting period, start time of PM job operation, stop time of PM job operation, granularity period, schedule of the PM job operation, priority of the PM job etc.

Similarly, for PM job creation, the EM request 21 2 comprises an object instance identifier (e.g., sourceSeiector) that identify the VNF instances for which the PM job is to be created and parameters that identify the measurement types to be collected (e.g., performanceMetric and performanceMetricGroup). In addition, the EM request 212 comprises parameters including, a collection period for the respective VNFM (e.g., VNFM 206), a reporting period for the VNFM, reportingBoundary that identifies a stop time for reporting etc. Further, the VNFM request 214 comprises an object instance identifier (e.g., resourceSeiector) that identify the VNF instances for which the PM job is to be created, and parameters that identify the measurement types to be collected (e.g.,

performanceMetric and performanceMetricGroup). In addition, the VNFM request 214 comprises parameters including a collection period for the respective VIM (e.g., VIM 208), a reporting period for the VIM, reportingBoundary that identifies a stop time for reporting etc.

[0047] Furthermore, upon successful creation of a PM job, the VIM response 216 comprises a PM job identifier, for example, pmJobId, that identifies the PM job created. Similarly, the VNFM response 218 comprises a PM job identifier, for example, pmJobId, that identifies the PM job created. In addition, the EM response 220 comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation and a PM job identifier, for example, jobld, that identifies the PM job created, when the PM job is successfully created. In some embodiments, the PM job identifier, jobld and the PM job identifier, pmJobId are the same, or there is one on one mapping between the PM job identifiers, jobld and pmJobId. In some embodiments, the EM response 220 further comprises a parameter, for example, unsupportedList, that identifies one or more reasons for an unsuccessful or a partially successful creation of the PM job, when the PM job is not successfully created.

[0048] The Table 1 below indicate an example use case of a PM job creation, according to one embodiment of the disclosure. Table 1 : Use Case of PM job creation

[0049] Similarly, Table 2 below indicate an example use case of a PM job creation, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Table 2: Use Case of PM job creation

[0050] In one embodiment, where the PM job operation comprises a PM job deletion, the NM request 210 comprises a request to stop/delete a PM job. In such embodiments, it is assumed that the PM job to be deleted already exists or is created. In such embodiments, the NM request 210 includes a PM job identifier, for example, Jobld, that identifies the PM job that is to be deleted/stopped. Similarly, for PM job deletion, the EM request 212 comprises a PM job identifier, for example, pmJobId, that identifies the PM job that is to be deleted/stopped. Further, the VNFM request 214 comprises a PM job identifier, for example, pmJobId, that identifies the PM job that is to be deleted/stopped. In some embodiments, the PM job identifier, jobld and the PM job identifier, pmJobId are the same, or there is one on one mapping between the PM job identifiers, jobld and pmJobId. Furthermore, upon successful deletion of a PM job, the VIM response 216 comprises an identifier, for example, deletedPmJobId, that identifies the PM job that is successfully deleted. Similarly, the VNFM response 218 comprises an identifier, for example, deletedPmJobId, that identifies the PM job that is successfully deleted. In addition, the EM response 220 comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job deletion.

[0051] The Table 3 below indicate an example use case of a PM job deletion, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Table 3: Use Case of PM job deletion

[0052] The Table 4 below indicate an example use case of a PM job deletion, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Table 4: Use Case of PM job deletion

[0053] In one embodiment, where the PM job operation comprises a PM job suspension, the NM request 21 0 comprises a request to suspend a PM job. In such embodiments, it is assumed that the PM job to be suspended already exists and is collecting VNF related virtualized resources (VR) PM data. In such embodiments, the NM request 210 includes a PM job identifier, for example, JobId, that identifies the PM job that is to be suspended. Similarly, for PM job suspension, the EM request 212 comprises a PM job identifier, for example, pmJobId or JobId, that identifies the PM job that is to be suspended. Further, the VNFM request 214 comprises a PM job identifier, for example, pmJobId or JobId, that identifies the PM job that is to be suspended. In some embodiments, the PM job identifier, jobld and the PM job identifier, pmJobId are the same, or there is one on one mapping between the PM job identifiers, jobld and pmJobId. Furthermore, upon successful suspension of a PM job, the VIM response 216 comprises an identifier that identifies the PM job that is successfully suspended.

Similarly, the VNFM response 218 comprises an identifier that identifies the PM job that is successfully suspended. In some embodiments, the PM job identifier and the identifier that identifies the PM job that is successfully suspended are different. In addition, the EM response 220 comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension.

[0054] The Table 5 below indicate an example use case of a PM job suspension, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Table 5: Use Case of PM job suspension

[0055] The Table 6 below indicate an example use case of a PM job suspension, according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Table 6: Use Case of PM job suspension

n m-em- -

[0056] In one embodiment, where the PM job operation comprises a PM job resumption, the NM request 210 comprises a request to resume a PM job. In such embodiments, it is assumed that the PM job for collecting VNF related virtualized resources (VR) PM data is suspended. In such embodiments, the NM request 210 includes a PM job identifier, for example, Jobld, that identifies the PM job that is to be resumed. Similarly, for PM job resumption, the EM request 212 comprises a PM job identifier, for example, pmJobld or Jobld, that identifies the PM job that is to be resumed. Further, the VNFM request 214 comprises a PM job identifier, for example, pmJobld or Jobld, that identifies the PM job that is to be resumed. In some

embodiments, the PM job identifier, jobld and the PM job identifier, pmJobld are the same, or there is one on one mapping between the PM job identifiers, jobld and pmJobld. Furthermore, upon successful resumption of a PM job, the VIM response 21 6 comprises an identifier that identifies the PM job that is successfully resumed. Similarly, the VNFM response 218 comprises an identifier that identifies the PM job that is successfully resumed. In some embodiments, the PM job identifier and the identifier that identifies the PM job that is successfully resumed are different. In addition, the EM response 220 comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption.

[0057] The Table 7 below indicate an example use case of a PM job resumption, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Table 7: Use Case of PM job resumption

[0058] The Table 8 below indicate an example use case of a PM job resumption, according to another embodiment of the disclosure. Table 8: Use Case of PM job resumption

[0059] In one embodiment, where the PM job operation comprises a PM job listing, the NM request 210 comprises a request to list one or more PM jobs that match a criteria (e.g., a query criteria or a search criteria). In such embodiments, it is assumed that one or more PM jobs for collecting VNF related virtualized resources (VR) PM data already exists. In such embodiments, the NM request 210 includes a query criteria to list one or more PM jobs that matches the query criteria. In some embodiments, the query criteria include a parameter, for example, jobldList, that identifies the PM jobs to be listed. Similarly, for PM job listing, the EM request 212 comprises a query criteria, to list one or more PM jobs that matches the query criteria. In some embodiments, the query criteria comprise a parameter, for example, queryFilter, that identifies the query criteria. Further, the VNFM request 214 comprises a query criteria, to list one or more PM jobs that matches the query criteria. In some embodiments, the query criteria comprise a parameter, for example, queryFilter, that identifies the query criteria. In some embodiments, the query criteria, jobldList and the query criteria, queryFilter, are the same. Furthermore, after the query criteria is matched, the VIM response 21 6 comprises a parameter, for example, pmJobDetails, that identifies/lists the PM jobs that matches the query criteria. Similarly, the VNFM response 218 comprises a parameter, for example, pmJob, that identifies/lists the PM jobs that matches the query criteria. In some embodiments, the parameters, pmJobDetails and pmJob are the same. In addition, the EM response 220 comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job listing and a parameter, for example, joblnfoList, that lists the PM jobs that matches the query criteria.

[0060] The Table 9 below indicate an example use case of a PM job listing, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Table 9: Use Case of PM job listing

[0061] The Table 10 below indicate an example use case of a PM job listing, according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Table 10: Use Case of PM job listing

n m-em- -

[0062] Once the PM job is successfully created or the PM job is in operation (i.e., the PM job is collecting VNF related VR PM data), the VIM 208 is configured to request the NFVI to collect VR PM data based on the parameters defined in the PM job. In such embodiments, the VIM 208 is further configured to output a VIM notification 226 to the VNFM 206, when a VNF related VR PM data associated with the PM job is available. In some embodiments, the VIM notification 226 includes an identifier, for example, PerformancelnformationAvailableNotification, that indicates an availability of VNF related VR PM data, and an object instance identifier, for example, objectlnstanceld, that identifies the VNF instance for which the VR PM data is available. Further, the VNFM 206 is configured to output a VNFM notification 224 to the EM 204, wherein the VNFM notification 224 indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the PM job. In some embodiments, the VNFM notification 224 is generated based on the received VIM notification 226 and comprises an object instance identifier, for example, objectlnstanceld, that identifies the VNF instance for which the VR PM data is available.

[0063] In addition, the EM 204 is configured to output an EM notification 222 to the NM 202, wherein the EM notification 222 indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the PM job. In some embodiments, the EM notification 222 is generated based on the received VNFM notification 224, and comprises an identifier, for example, notifyFileReady, that indicates the availability of the VNF related VR PM data. In some embodiments, the EM notification 222 further comprises an object instance identifier, for example, objectlnstanceld, that identifies the VNF instance for which the VR PM data is available.

[0064] The Table 1 1 below indicate an example use case of a VR PM data available notification, according to one embodiment of the disclosure.

Table 1 1 : Use Case of VR PM data available notification

[0065] The Table 12 below indicate an example use case of a VR PM data available notification, according to another embodiment of the disclosure.

Table 12: Use Case of VR PM data available notification

n m-em- - , - _ _ e- n m-em- -

[0066] In some embodiments, the VNF related VR PM data associated with the PM job is stored in repositories associated with the NFV network 200 (e.g., the repository 1 1 2a, the repository 1 10 or the repository 106a in Fig. 1 ). In some embodiments, once the NM 202 receives the EM notification 222 indicating the availability of the VR PM data, the NM 202 is configured to retrieve the VNF related VR PM data directly or indirectly from the PM data repository 232, the PM data repository 230 or the PM data repository 228.

[0067] Referring to FIG. 4, illustrated is a block diagram of an apparatus 400 included within a Network Manager (NM) that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations associated with an NFV network, according to various aspects described herein. In various aspects, apparatus 400 can be included within a NM of a communications network. The apparatus 400 is explained herein with respect to the NM 202 in Fig. 2. The apparatus 400 include a processor 41 0, optional network interface controller (NIC) circuitry 420 (which can facilitate communication of data via one or more networks in some aspects), and a memory 430 (which can comprise any of a variety of storage mediums and can store instructions and/or data associated with at least one of the processor 410 or NIC circuitry 420). In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 includes all the features and the functionalities of the components illustrated in Fig. 3b. In some aspects, the processor 410, the NIC circuitry 420, and the memory 430 can be included in a single device, while in other aspects, they can be included in different devices, such as part of a distributed architecture. In some embodiments, the processor 410 can include one or more processors. As described in greater detail below, apparatus 400 can facilitate to perform various PM job operations that include PM job creation, PM job deletion, PM job suspension, PM job resume, PM job listing and PM availability notification.

[0068] In some example embodiments, the processor 410 is able to read

instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a machine- readable storage medium) and perform any one or more of the PM job operations discussed herein. In order to perform a PM job operation, the processor 410 is configured to output an NM request (e.g., the NM request 210 in Fig. 2) comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs to an element manager (EM), for example, the EM 204 in Fig. 2, via the NIC circuitry 420. In some embodiments, the NM request is generated at the processor 410, based on instructions stored in the memory 430. In some embodiments, the NM request comprises a request to create a PM job, a request to stop a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list one or more PM jobs. In some embodiments, the processor 410 is further configured to process an EM response (e.g., the EM response 220 in Fig. 2), received from the EM (e.g., the EM 204 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 420, in response to the NM request. In some

embodiments, the EM response comprises information on a result of the one or more PM jobs.

[0069] For PM job creation, in some embodiments, the NM request includes an instance identifier, iocin stanceLi st that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created and the EM response comprises a PM job identifier, Jobid , for the PM job created and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation as indicated above in Fig. 2. For PM job deletion, the NM request includes a PM job identifier, Jobid that identifies the PM job to be stopped/deleted, and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of stopping/deleting the PM job. For PM job suspension, the NM request includes a PM job identifier, Jobid that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension. For PM job resumption, the NM request includes a PM job identifier, Jobid that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption. For PM job listing, the NM request includes a criteria to list the PM jobs, j obidLi st and the EM response comprises information on PM jobs that match the criteria, j obinf oLi st and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job listing.

[0070] In some embodiments, the processor 41 0 is further configured to process an EM notification (e.g., the EM notification 222 in Fig. 2) received from the EM (e.g., the EM 204 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 420, when the one or more PM jobs is in operation. In some embodiments, the EM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with VNF instances of the respective PM jobs. Upon receiving the EM notification, in some embodiments, the processor 410 is further configured to retrieve the VR PM data from a PM data repository (e.g., the PM data repository 228, 230 or 232 in Fig. 2) associated with the NFV network.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5, illustrated is a block diagram of an apparatus 500 included within an Element Manager (EM) that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations associated with an NFV network, according to various aspects described herein. In various aspects, apparatus 500 can be included within an EM of a communications network. The apparatus 500 is explained herein with respect to the EM 204 in Fig. 2. The apparatus 500 include a processor 510, optional network interface controller (NIC) circuitry 520 (which can facilitate communication of data via one or more networks in some aspects), and a memory 530 (which can comprise any of a variety of storage mediums and can store instructions and/or data associated with at least one of the processor 510 or NIC circuitry 520). In some embodiments, the apparatus 500 includes all the features and the functionalities of the components illustrated in Fig. 3b. In some aspects, the processor 510, the NIC circuitry 520, and the memory 530 can be included in a single device, while in other aspects, they can be included in different devices, such as part of a distributed architecture. In some embodiments, the processor 510 can include one or more processors. As described in greater detail below, apparatus 500 can facilitate to perform various PM job operations that include PM job creation, PM job deletion, PM job suspension, PM job resume, PM job listing and PM availability notification.

[0072] In some example embodiments, the processor 510 is able to read

instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a machine- readable storage medium) and perform any one or more of the PM job operations discussed herein. In some embodiments, the processor 510 is configured to process a network manager (NM) request (e.g., the NM request 210 in Fig. 2) comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from a network manager (NM) (e.g., the NM 202 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 520. In some embodiments, the NM request comprises a request to perform a PM job operation, for example, a request to create a PM job, a request to stop or delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs. Upon receiving the NM request, the processor 510 is configured to generate an EM request (e.g., the EM request 212 in Fig. 2), based on the received NM request and output or provide the generated EM request to a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) (e.g., the VNFM 206 in Fig. 2) associated therewith, via the NIC circuitry 520. In some embodiments, the EM request is generated at the processor 510, in accordance with the instructions stored in the memory 530.

[0073] In some embodiments, the processor 510 is further configured to process a VNFM response (e.g., the VNFM response 218 in Fig. 2), received from the VNFM (e.g., the VNFM 206 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 520, in response to the EM request. Upon receiving the VNFM response, the processor 510 is configured to generate an EM response (e.g., the EM response 220) and output the EM response to the NM (e.g., the NM 202 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 520. In some embodiments, the EM response is generated based on the received VNFM response and the EM response comprises information associated with a result of the PM jobs.

[0074] For example, for PM job creation, NM request and the EM request to a create a PM job, includes a respective instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created, the VNFM response comprises a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job created, and the EM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. In some embodiments, the NM request, the EM request, the VNFM response and the EM response can further comprise other parameters as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. For PM job deletion, the NM request and the EM request includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be deleted, the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job deletion as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. For PM job suspension, the NM request and the EM includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2.

[0075] For PM job resumption, the NM request and the EM request includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. Further, the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. For PM job listing, the NM request and the EM request includes a criteria to list one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VNFM response and the EM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2.

[0076] In some embodiments, the processor 510 is further configured to process a VNFM notification (e.g., the VNFM notification 224 in Fig. 2) received from the VNFM (e.g., the VNFM 206 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 520, when the one or more PM jobs is in operation. In some embodiments, the VNFM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with VNF instances of the PM jobs. Upon receiving the VNFM notification, in some embodiments, the processor 510 is further configured to generate an EM notification (e.g., the EM notification 222), based on the received VNFM notification and provide the generated EM notification to the NM (e.g., the NM 202), via the NIC circuitry 520. In some embodiments, the EM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with VNF instances of the PM jobs.

[0077] Referring to FIG. 6, illustrated is a block diagram of an apparatus 600 included within a Virtualized Network Function Manager (VNFM) that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations associated with an NFV network, according to various aspects described herein. In various aspects, apparatus 600 can be included within a VNFM of a communications network. The apparatus 600 is explained herein with respect to the VNFM 206 in Fig. 2. The apparatus 600 include a processor 610, optional network interface controller (NIC) circuitry 620 (which can facilitate communication of data via one or more networks in some aspects), and a memory 630 (which can comprise any of a variety of storage mediums and can store instructions and/or data associated with at least one of the processor 610 or NIC circuitry 620). In some embodiments, the apparatus 600 includes all the features and the functionalities of the components illustrated in Fig. 3b. In some aspects, the processor 610, the NIC circuitry 620, and the memory 630 can be included in a single device, while in other aspects, they can be included in different devices, such as part of a distributed architecture. In some embodiments, the processor 610 can include one or more processors. As described in greater detail below, apparatus 600 can facilitate to perform various PM job operations that include PM job creation, PM job deletion, PM job suspension, PM job resume, PM job listing and PM availability notification.

[0078] In some example embodiments, the processor 610 is able to read instructions from a machine-readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable storage medium) and perform any one or more of the PM job operations discussed herein. In some embodiments, the processor 610 is configured to process an element manager (EM) request (e.g., the EM request 21 2 in Fig. 2) comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an EM (e.g., the EM 204 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 620. In some embodiments, the EM request comprises a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs. Upon receiving the EM request, the processor 610 is configured to generate a VNFM request (e.g., the VNFM request 214 in Fig. 2), based on the received EM request and provide/output the generated VNFM request to a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM), for example, the VIM 208, associated therewith, via the NIC circuitry 620.

[0079] In some embodiments, the processor 610 is further configured to process a VIM response (e.g., the VIM response 216 in Fig. 2) received from the VIM (e.g., the VIM 208 in Fig. 2) via the NIC circuitry 620, in response to the VNFM request. In some embodiments, the VIM response comprises information on identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs, when the request associated with the one or more PM jobs is successfully completed. Upon receiving the VIM response, in some embodiments, the processor 610 is further configured to generate a VNFM response (e.g., the VNFM response 218 in Fig. 2), based on the received VIM response and output/provide the generated VNFM response to the EM (e.g., the EM 204 in Fig. 2). In some

embodiments, the VNFM response comprises information on the identifiers that identify the one or more PM jobs.

[0080] For example, for PM job creation, the EM request and the VNFM request includes an object instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which a PM job to be created, and the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. For PM job deletion, the EM request and the VNFM request includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be deleted, and the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. For PM job suspension, the EM request and the VNFM request includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. For PM job resumption, the EM request and the VNFM request a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended and the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. For PM job listing, the EM request and the VNFM request includes a criteria to list the one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2.

[0081] In some embodiments, the processor 61 0 is further configured to process a VIM notification (e.g., the VIM notification 224 in Fig. 2) received from the VIM (e.g., the VIM 208 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 620, when the one or more PM jobs is in operation. In some embodiments, the VIM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with VNF instances of the PM jobs. Upon receiving the VIM notification, in some embodiments, the processor 610 is further configured to generate an VNFM notification (e.g., the VNFM notification 224), based on the received VIM notification and provide the generated VNFM notification to the EM (e.g., the EM 204), via the NIC circuitry 620. In some embodiments, the VNFM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with VNF instances of the PM jobs. [0082] Referring to FIG. 7, illustrated is a block diagram of an apparatus 700 included within a Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM) that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations associated with an NFV network, according to various aspects described herein. In various aspects, apparatus 700 can be included within a VIM of a communications network. The apparatus 700 is explained herein with respect to the VIM 208 in Fig. 2. The apparatus 700 include a processor 71 0, optional network interface controller (NIC) circuitry 720 (which can facilitate communication of data via one or more networks in some aspects), and a memory 730 (which can comprise any of a variety of storage mediums and can store instructions and/or data associated with at least one of the processor 710 or NIC circuitry 720).

[0083] In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 includes all the features and the functionalities of the components illustrated in Fig. 3b. In some aspects, the processor 71 0, the NIC circuitry 720, and the memory 730 can be included in a single device, while in other aspects, they can be included in different devices, such as part of a distributed architecture. In some embodiments, the processor 710 can include one or more processors. As described in greater detail below, apparatus 700 can facilitate to perform various PM job operations that include PM job creation, PM job deletion, PM job suspension, PM job resume, PM job listing and PM availability notification. In some example embodiments, the processor 710 is able to read instructions from a machine- readable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a machine-readable storage medium) and perform any one or more of the PM job operations discussed herein.

[0084] In some embodiments, the processor 710 is configured to process a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) request (e.g., the VNFM request 214 in Fig. 2) comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from a VNFM (e.g., the VNFM 206 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 720. In some embodiments, the VNFM request comprises a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs. Upon receiving the VNFM request, the processor 710 is configured to generate a VIM response (e.g., the VIM response 216 in Fig. 2) and provide/output the VIM response to the VNFM (e.g., the VNFM 206 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 720. In some embodiments, the VIM response comprises information on identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs. In some embodiments, the processor 71 0 is configured to generate the VIM response based on instructions stored in the memory 730.

[0085] For example, for PM job creation, the VNFM request includes an object instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created, and the VIM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created, as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. For PM job deletion, the VNFM request includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be deleted, and the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted, as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. For PM job suspension, the VNFM request includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended, as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. For PM job resumption, the VNFM request includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended, and the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed, as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2.

[0086] For PM job listing, the VNFM request includes a criteria to list one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and the VIM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria, as indicated above with respect to Fig. 2. In some embodiments, the processor 710 is further configured to generate a VIM notification (e.g., the VIM notification 224 in Fig. 2) and provide/output the generated VIM

notification to the VNFM (e.g., the VNFM 206 in Fig. 2), via the NIC circuitry 720, when the one or more PM jobs is in operation. In some embodiments, the VIM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with VNF instances of the PM jobs.

[0087] Fig. 8 illustrates a flowchart of a method 800 for a network manager (NM) of a network function virtualization (NFV) network that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The method 800 is described herein with reference to the apparatus 400 in Fig. 4 and the NFV network 200 in Fig. 2. In some embodiments, the apparatus 400 is included within the NM 202 in Fig. 2. At 802, an NM request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs is generated at the processor 41 0 and provided to an element manager (EM) associated therewith, via the NIC circuitry 420. In some embodiments, the NM request comprises a request to create a PM job, a request to stop a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs. At 804, an EM response received from the EM, via the NIC circuitry 420, in response to the NM request, is processed at the processor 41 0. In some embodiments, the EM response comprises information on identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs and status of the respective PM jobs.

[0088] Fig. 9 illustrates a flowchart of a method 900 for an element manager (EM) of a network function virtualization (NFV) network that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The method 900 is described herein with reference to the apparatus 500 in Fig. 5 and the NFV network 200 in Fig. 2. In some embodiments, the apparatus 500 is included within the EM 204 in Fig. 2. At 902, a network manager (NM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an NM, via the NIC circuitry 520 is processed at the processor 510. In some embodiments, the NM request comprises a request to create a PM job, a request to stop or delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs. At 904, an EM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs is generated at the processor 510 and provided to a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) associated therewith, via the NIC circuitry 520. In some embodiments, the EM request is generated based on the received NM request.

[0089] At 906, a VNFM response received from the VNFM, via the NIC circuitry 520, in response to the EM request is processed at the processor 510. In some

embodiments, the VNFM response comprises information on identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs. At 908, an EM response is generated at the processor 510 based on the received VNFM response and provided to the NM, via the NIC circuitry 520. In some embodiments, the EM response comprises information on identifiers that identify the one or more PM jobs and a status of the respective PM jobs.

[0090] Fig. 10 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1000 for a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) of a network function virtualization (NFV) network that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The method 1000 is described herein with reference to the apparatus 600 in Fig. 6 and the NFV network 200 in Fig. 2. In some embodiments, the apparatus 600 is included within the VNFM 206 in Fig. 2. At 1002, an element manager (EM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an EM, via the NIC circuitry 620 is processed at the processor 61 0. In some embodiments, the EM request comprises a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs.

[0091] At 1004, a VNFM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs is generated at the processor 610 and provided to a virtualized

infrastructure manager (VIM), via the NIC circuitry 620. In some embodiments, the VNFM request is generated at the processor 610 based on the received EM request. At 1006, a VIM response received from the VIM via the NIC circuitry 620, in response to the VNFM request, is processed at the processor 61 0. In some embodiments, the VIM response comprises information on identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs, when the request associated with the one or more PM jobs is successfully completed. At 1008, a VNFM response is generated at the processor 610 based on the received VIM response and provided to the EM, via the NIC circuitry 620. In some embodiments, the VNFM response comprises information on identifiers that identify the one or more PM jobs.

[0092] Fig. 11 illustrates a flowchart of a method 1 1 00 for a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) of a network function virtualization (NFV) network that facilitates to perform performance measurement (PM) job operations, according to various embodiments of the disclosure. The method 1 100 is described herein with reference to the apparatus 700 in Fig. 7 and the NFV network 200 in Fig. 2. In some embodiments, the apparatus 700 is included within the VIM 208 in Fig. 2. At 1 102, a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from a VNFM, via the NIC circuitry 720, is processed at the processor 710. In some embodiments, the VNFM request comprises a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs. At 1 104, a VIM response is generated at the processor 71 0, in response to the VNFM request and provided to the VNFM via the NIC circuitry 720. In some embodiments, the VIM response comprises information on identifiers that identify the one or more PM jobs.

[0093] While the methods are illustrated and described above as a series of acts or events, it will be appreciated that the illustrated ordering of such acts or events are not to be interpreted in a limiting sense. For example, some acts may occur in different orders and/or concurrently with other acts or events apart from those illustrated and/or described herein. In addition, not all illustrated acts may be required to implement one or more aspects or embodiments of the disclosure herein. Also, one or more of the acts depicted herein may be carried out in one or more separate acts and/or phases.

[0094] While the apparatus has been illustrated and described with respect to one or more implementations, alterations and/or modifications may be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described

components or structures (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structure which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the invention.

[0095] In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms (including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structure which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure. In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

[0096] Examples can include subject matter such as a method, means for performing acts or blocks of the method, at least one machine-readable medium including instructions that, when performed by a machine cause the machine to perform acts of the method or of an apparatus or system for concurrent communication using multiple communication technologies according to embodiments and examples described herein. [0097] Example 1 is computer-readable medium storing executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause one or more processors of a network manager (NM), to perform operations comprising outputting an NM request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs to an element manager (EM) in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to stop a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and processing an EM response received from the EM, in response to the NM request, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the respective PM jobs.

[0098] Example 2 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of example 1 , further cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising processing an EM notification received from the EM, when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the EM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

[0099] Example 3 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 -2, including or omitting elements, further cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising retrieving the VR PM data from a PM data repository associated with the NFV network, upon receiving the EM notification.

[00100] Example 4 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 -3, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to create a PM job includes an instance identifier, iOCInstanceList that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created and the EM response comprises a PM job identifier, Jobld, for the PM job created and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation.

[00101 ] Example 5 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 -4, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to stop the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobld that identifies the PM job to be stopped, and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of stopping the PM job. [00102] Example 6 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 -5, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to suspend the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobld that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension.

[00103] Example 7 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 -6, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to resume the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobld that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption.

[00104] Example 8 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 -7, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to list one or more PM jobs includes a criteria to list the PM jobs, jobldList and the EM response comprises information on PM jobs that match the criteria, joblnfoList and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job listing.

[00105] Example 9 is a computer-readable medium storing executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause one or more processors of an element manager (EM), to perform operations comprising processing a network manager (NM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an NM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to stop or delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; outputting an EM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized network function manager (VNFM), wherein the EM request is generated based on the received NM request; processing a VNFM response received from the VNFM in response to the EM request, wherein the VNFM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs; and outputting an EM response generated based on the received VNFM response, to the NM, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the respective PM jobs. [00106] Example 10 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of example 9, further cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising processing a VNFM notification received from the VNFM in response to the EM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VNFM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances; and outputting an EM notification generated based on the received VNFM notification, to the NM, wherein the EM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

[00107] Example 1 1 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 9-1 0, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to a create a PM job, includes a respective instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created, wherein the VNFM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created, and wherein the EM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation.

[00108] Example 12 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 9-1 1 , including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job is to be deleted, wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted and wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job deletion.

[00109] Example 13 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 9-1 2, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended and wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension.

[00110] Example 14 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 9-1 3, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended, and wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption. [00111 ] Example 15 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 9-14, wherein the NM request and the EM request to list PM jobs includes a criteria to list one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VNFM response and the EM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

[00112] Example 16 is a computer-readable medium storing executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause one or more processors of a virtualized network function manager (VNFM), to perform operations comprising processing an element manager (EM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an EM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and outputting a VNFM response to the EM, in response to the EM request, wherein the VNFM response comprises information on the respective identifiers that identify the one or more PM jobs.

[00113] Example 17 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of example 16, prior to generating the VNFM response, further cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising outputting a VNFM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM), wherein the VNFM request is generated based on the received EM request; and processing a VIM response received from the VIM, in response to the VNFM request, wherein the VIM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs, when the request associated with the one or more PM jobs is successfully completed.

[00114] Example 18 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 6-17, including or omitting elements, further cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising processing a VIM notification received from the VIM in response to the VNFM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VIM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances; and outputting a VNFM notification generated based on the received VIM notification, to the EM, wherein the VNFM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the VNF instance.

[00115] Example 19 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 6-18, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to create a PM job includes an object instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which a PM job to be created, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created.

[00116] Example 20 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 6-19, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be deleted, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted.

[00117] Example 21 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 6-20, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended.

[00118] Example 22 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 6-21 , including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed.

[00119] Example 23 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 1 6-22, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to list one or more PM jobs includes a criteria to list the one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

[00120] Example 24 is a computer-readable medium storing executable instructions that, in response to execution, cause one or more processors of a virtualized

infrastructure manager (VIM), to perform operations comprising processing a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from a VNFM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the one or more PM jobs is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and outputting a VIM response to the VNFM, in response to the VNFM request, wherein the VIM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs.

[00121 ] Example 25 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of example 24, further cause the one or more processors to perform operations comprising outputting a VIM notification in response to the VNFM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VIM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

[00122] Example 26 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 24-25, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to create a PM job includes an object instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created, and wherein the VIM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created.

[00123] Example 27 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 24-26, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be deleted, and wherein the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted.

[00124] Example 28 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 24-27, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and wherein the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended.

[00125] Example 29 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 24-28, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended, and wherein the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed. [00126] Example 30 is a computer-readable medium, including the subject matter of examples 24-29, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to list one or more PM jobs include a criteria to list one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VIM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

[00127] Example 31 is an apparatus for use in a network manager (NM) comprising means for outputting an NM request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs to an element manager (EM) in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to stop a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and means for processing an EM response received from the EM, in response to the NM request, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the respective PM jobs.

[00128] Example 32 is an apparatus including the subject matter of example 31 , further comprising means for processing an EM notification received from the EM, when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the EM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

[00129] Example 33 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 31 -32, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to create a PM job includes an instance identifier, iOCInstanceList that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created and the EM response comprises a PM job identifier, Jobld, for the PM job created and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation.

[00130] Example 34 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 31 -33, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to stop the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobld that identifies the PM job to be stopped, and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of stopping the PM job.

[00131 ] Example 35 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 31 -34, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to suspend the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobld that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension. [00132] Example 36 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 31 -35, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to resume the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobld that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption.

[00133] Example 37 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 31 -36, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to list one or more PM jobs includes a criteria to list the PM jobs, jobldList and the EM response comprises information on PM jobs that match the criteria, joblnfoList and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job listing.

[00134] Example 38 is an apparatus for use in an element manager (EM) comprising means for processing a network manager (NM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an NM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to stop or delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; means for outputting an EM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized network function manager (VNFM), wherein the EM request is generated based on the received NM request; means for processing a VNFM response received from the VNFM in response to the EM request, wherein the VNFM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs; and means for outputting an EM response generated based on the received VNFM response, to the NM, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the respective PM jobs.

[00135] Example 39 is an apparatus including the subject matter of example 38, further comprising means for processing a VNFM notification received from the VNFM in response to the EM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VNFM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances; and means for outputting an EM notification generated based on the received VNFM notification, to the NM, wherein the EM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

[00136] Example 40 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 38-39, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to a create a PM job, includes a respective instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created, wherein the VNFM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created, and wherein the EM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation.

[00137] Example 41 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 38-40, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job is to be deleted, wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted and wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job deletion.

[00138] Example 42 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 38-41 , including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended and wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension.

[00139] Example 43 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 38-42, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended, and wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption.

[00140] Example 44 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 38-43, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to list PM jobs includes a criteria to list one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VNFM response and the EM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

[00141 ] Example 45 is an apparatus for use in a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) comprising means for processing an element manager (EM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an EM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and means for outputting a VNFM response to the EM, in response to the EM request, wherein the VNFM response comprises information on the respective identifiers that identify the one or more PM jobs.

[00142] Example 46 is an apparatus including the subject matter of example 45, further comprising means for outputting a VNFM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM), wherein the VNFM request is generated based on the received EM request; and means for processing a VIM response received from the VIM, in response to the VNFM request, wherein the VIM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs, when the request associated with the one or more PM jobs is successfully completed, prior to generating the VNFM response.

[00143] Example 47 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 45-46, including or omitting elements, further comprising means for processing a VIM notification received from the VIM in response to the VNFM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VIM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances; and means for outputting a VNFM notification generated based on the received VIM notification, to the EM, wherein the VNFM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the VNF instance.

[00144] Example 48 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 45-47, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to create a PM job includes an object instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which a PM job to be created, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created.

[00145] Example 49 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 45-48, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be deleted, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted.

[00146] Example 50 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 45-49, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended.

[00147] Example 51 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 45-50, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed.

[00148] Example 52 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 45-51 , including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to list one or more PM jobs includes a criteria to list the one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

[00149] Example 53 is an apparatus for use in a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) comprising means for processing a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from a VNFM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the one or more PM jobs is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and means for outputting a VIM response to the VNFM, in response to the VNFM request, wherein the VIM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs.

[00150] Example 54 is an apparatus including the subject matter of example 53, further comprising means for outputting a VIM notification in response to the VNFM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VIM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

[00151 ] Example 55 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 53-54, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to create a PM job includes an object instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created, and wherein the VIM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created.

[00152] Example 56 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 53-55, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be deleted, and wherein the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted.

[00153] Example 57 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 53-56, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and wherein the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended.

[00154] Example 58 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 53-57, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended, and wherein the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed.

[00155] Example 59 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 53-58, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to list one or more PM jobs include a criteria to list one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VIM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

[00156] Example 60 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 31 -32, including or omitting elements, further comprising means for retrieving the VR PM data from a PM data repository associated with the NFV network, upon receiving the EM notification.

[00157] Example 61 is an apparatus configured to be employed within a Network Manager (NM), comprising one or more processors; and a memory including

instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors, to output an NM request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs to an element manager (EM) in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to stop a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and process an EM response received from the EM, in response to the NM request, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the respective PM jobs.

[00158] Example 62 is an apparatus including the subject matter of example 61 , wherein the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to process an EM notification received from the EM, when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the EM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

[00159] Example 63 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 61 -62, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to create a PM job includes an instance identifier, iOCInstanceList that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created and the EM response comprises a PM job identifier, Jobld, for the PM job created and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation.

[00160] Example 64 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 61 -63, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to stop the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobld that identifies the PM job to be stopped, and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of stopping the PM job.

[00161 ] Example 65 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 61 -64, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to suspend the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobld that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension.

[00162] Example 66 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 61 -65, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to resume the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobld that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption.

[00163] Example 67 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 61 -66, including or omitting elements, wherein the request to list one or more PM jobs includes a criteria to list the PM jobs, jobldList and the EM response comprises information on PM jobs that match the criteria, joblnfoList and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job listing.

[00164] Example 68 is an apparatus configured to be employed within an Element Manager (EM), comprising one or more processors; and a memory including

instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors, to process a network manager (NM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an NM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to stop or delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; output an EM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized network function manager (VNFM), wherein the EM request is generated based on the received NM request; process a VNFM response received from the VNFM in response to the EM request, wherein the VNFM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs; and output an EM response generated based on the received VNFM response, to the NM, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the respective PM jobs.

[00165] Example 69 is an apparatus including the subject matter of example 68, wherein the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to process a VNFM notification received from the VNFM in response to the EM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VNFM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances; and output an EM notification generated based on the received VNFM notification, to the NM, wherein the EM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

[00166] Example 70 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 68-69, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to a create a PM job, includes a respective instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created, wherein the VNFM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created, and wherein the EM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation.

[00167] Example 71 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 68-70, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job is to be deleted, wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted and wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job deletion.

[00168] Example 72 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 68-71 , including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended and wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension.

[00169] Example 73 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 68-72, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended, and wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption.

[00170] Example 74 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 68-73, including or omitting elements, wherein the NM request and the EM request to list PM jobs includes a criteria to list one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VNFM response and the EM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

[00171 ] Example 75 is an apparatus configured to be employed within a virtualized network function manager (VNFM), comprising one or more processors; and a memory including instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors, to process an element manager (EM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an EM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and output a VNFM response to the EM, in response to the EM request, wherein the VNFM response comprises information on the respective identifiers that identify the one or more PM jobs.

[00172] Example 76 is an apparatus including the subject matter of example 75, wherein the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to output a VNFM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM), wherein the VNFM request is generated based on the received EM request; and process a VIM response received from the VIM, in response to the VNFM request, wherein the VIM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs, when the request associated with the one or more PM jobs is successfully completed, prior to outputting the VNFM response.

[00173] Example 77 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 75-76, including or omitting elements, wherein the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to process a VIM notification received from the VIM in response to the VNFM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VIM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances; and output a VNFM notification generated based on the received VIM notification, to the EM, wherein the VNFM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the VNF instance.

[00174] Example 78 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 75-77, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to create a PM job includes an object instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which a PM job to be created, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created.

[00175] Example 79 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 75-78, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be deleted, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted.

[00176] Example 80 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 75-79, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended.

[00177] Example 81 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 75-80, including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed.

[00178] Example 82 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 75-81 , including or omitting elements, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to list one or more PM jobs includes a criteria to list the one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

[00179] Example 83 is an apparatus configured to be employed within a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) comprising one or more processors; and a memory including instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors, to process a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from a VNFM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the one or more PM jobs is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and output a VIM response to the VNFM, in response to the VNFM request, wherein the VIM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs.

[00180] Example 84 is an apparatus including the subject matter of example 83, wherein the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to output a VIM notification in response to the VNFM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VIM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

[00181 ] Example 85 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 83-84, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to create a PM job includes an object instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created, and wherein the VIM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created.

[00182] Example 86 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 83-85, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be deleted, and wherein the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted.

[00183] Example 87 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 83-86, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and wherein the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended.

[00184] Example 88 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 83-87, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended, and wherein the VIM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed.

[00185] Example 89 is an apparatus including the subject matter of examples 83-88, including or omitting elements, wherein the VNFM request to list one or more PM jobs include a criteria to list one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VIM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

[00186] Various illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with aspects disclosed herein can be implemented or performed with a general purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA) or other

programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform functions described herein. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor, but, in the alternative, processor can be any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine.

[00187] The above description of illustrated embodiments of the subject disclosure, including what is described in the Abstract, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosed embodiments to the precise forms disclosed. While specific embodiments and examples are described herein for illustrative purposes, various modifications are possible that are considered within the scope of such embodiments and examples, as those skilled in the relevant art can recognize.

[00188] In this regard, while the disclosed subject matter has been described in connection with various embodiments and corresponding Figures, where applicable, it is to be understood that other similar embodiments can be used or modifications and additions can be made to the described embodiments for performing the same, similar, alternative, or substitute function of the disclosed subject matter without deviating therefrom. Therefore, the disclosed subject matter should not be limited to any single embodiment described herein, but rather should be construed in breadth and scope in accordance with the appended claims below.

[00189] In particular regard to the various functions performed by the above described components (assemblies, devices, circuits, systems, etc.), the terms

(including a reference to a "means") used to describe such components are intended to correspond, unless otherwise indicated, to any component or structure which performs the specified function of the described component (e.g., that is functionally equivalent), even though not structurally equivalent to the disclosed structure which performs the function in the herein illustrated exemplary implementations of the disclosure. In addition, while a particular feature may have been disclosed with respect to only one of several implementations, such feature may be combined with one or more other features of the other implementations as may be desired and advantageous for any given or particular application.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1 . An apparatus configured to be employed within a Network Manager (NM), comprising:

one or more processors; and a memory including instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors, to: output an NM request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs to an element manager (EM) in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to stop a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and process an EM response received from the EM, in response to the NM request, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the respective PM jobs.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to process an EM notification received from the EM, when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the EM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

3. The apparatus of any of the claims 1 -2, wherein the request to create a PM job includes an instance identifier, iOCInstanceList that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created and the EM response comprises a PM job identifier, Jobid, for the PM job created and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation.

4. The apparatus of any of the claims 1 -2, wherein the request to stop the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobid that identifies the PM job to be stopped, and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of stopping the PM job.

5. The apparatus of any of the claims 1 -2, wherein the request to suspend the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobid that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension.

6. The apparatus of any of the claims 1 -2, wherein the request to resume the PM job includes a PM job identifier, Jobid that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption.

7. The apparatus of any of the claims 1 -2, wherein the request to list one or more PM jobs includes a criteria to list the PM jobs, jobldList and the EM response comprises information on PM jobs that match the criteria, joblnfoList and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job listing.

8. An apparatus configured to be employed within an Element Manager (EM), comprising: one or more processors; and a memory including instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors, to; process a network manager (NM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an NM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to stop or delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; output an EM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized network function manager (VNFM), wherein the EM request is generated based on the received NM request; process a VNFM response received from the VNFM in response to the EM request, wherein the VNFM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs; and output an EM response generated based on the received VNFM response, to the NM, wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the respective PM jobs.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to:

process a VNFM notification received from the VNFM in response to the EM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VNFM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances; and

output an EM notification generated based on the received VNFM notification, to the NM, wherein the EM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

10. The apparatus of any of the claims 8-9, wherein the NM request and the EM request to a create a PM job, includes a respective instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created, wherein the VNFM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created, and wherein the EM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created and a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job creation.

1 1 . The apparatus of any of the claims 8-9, wherein the NM request and the EM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job is to be deleted, wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted and wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job deletion.

12. The apparatus of any of the claims 8-9, wherein the NM request and the EM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended and wherein the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job suspension.

13. The apparatus of any of the claims 8-9, wherein the NM request and the EM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended, and wherein the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed and the EM response comprises a parameter, status, indicating a result of the PM job resumption.

14. The apparatus of any of the claims 8-9, wherein the NM request and the EM request to list PM jobs includes a criteria to list one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VNFM response and the EM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

15. An apparatus configured to be employed within a virtualized network function manager (VNFM), comprising: one or more processors; and a memory including instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors, to; process an element manager (EM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from an EM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the PM job is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and output a VNFM response to the EM, in response to the EM request, wherein the VNFM response comprises information on the respective identifiers that identify the one or more PM jobs.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to:

output a VNFM request comprising a request associated with the one or more PM jobs to a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM), wherein the VNFM request is generated based on the received EM request; and

process a VIM response received from the VIM, in response to the VNFM request, wherein the VIM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs, when the request associated with the one or more PM jobs is successfully completed, prior to generating the VNFM response.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to,

process a VIM notification received from the VIM in response to the VNFM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VIM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances; and

output a VNFM notification generated based on the received VIM notification, to the EM, wherein the VNFM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the VNF instance.

18. The apparatus of any of the claims 16-1 7, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to create a PM job includes an object instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which a PM job to be created, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created.

19. The apparatus of any of the claims 16-1 7, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to delete a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be deleted, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job deleted.

20. The apparatus of any of the claims 16-1 7, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to suspend a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be suspended, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job suspended.

21 . The apparatus of any of the claims 16-1 7, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to resume a PM job includes a PM job identifier that identifies the PM job to be resumed, wherein the PM job has been previously suspended and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises an identifier for the PM job resumed.

22. The apparatus of any of the claims 16-1 7, wherein the EM request and the VNFM request to list one or more PM jobs includes a criteria to list the one or more PM jobs meeting the criteria, and wherein the VIM response and the VNFM response comprises the list of the one or more PM jobs that meets the criteria.

23. An apparatus configured to be employed within a virtualized infrastructure manager (VIM) comprising: one or more processors; and a memory including instructions comprising operations, for execution via the one or more processors, to; process a virtualized network function manager (VNFM) request comprising a request associated with one or more performance measurement (PM) jobs, received from a VNFM in a network function virtualization (NFV) network, wherein each of the one or more PM jobs is configured to collect virtualization resource (VR) PM data associated with a virtual network function (VNF) instance of the NFV network, wherein the VNF instance implements a network function associated with an evolved packet core (EPC) network, and wherein the request is a request to create a PM job, a request to delete a PM job, a request to suspend a PM job, a request to resume a PM job or a request to list PM jobs; and output a VIM response to the VNFM, in response to the VNFM request, wherein the VIM response comprises information on respective identifiers that identifies the one or more PM jobs.

24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the instructions comprise further operations, for execution via the one or more processors to output a VIM notification in response to the VNFM request when the one or more PM jobs is in operation, wherein the VIM notification indicates an availability of the VR PM data associated with the respective VNF instances.

25. The apparatus of any of the claims 23-24, wherein the VNFM request to create a PM job includes an object instance identifier that identifies the VNF instance for which the PM job is to be created, and wherein the VIM response comprises a PM job identifier for the PM job created.