Patent ID: 10812328

Abstract:
A first virtual network function (VNF1, 51) in a communications network (5) is activated to operate in accordance with a configuration defined in a configuration file (21). It is determined when the first virtual network function (51) is required to change from an active state to a sleep state. A sleep state configuration file (31) is stored for the first virtual network function (51) at a network management system (10). A change of network conditions is detected in the network. The sleep state configuration file (31) of the first virtual network function (51) is updated in response to the detected change of network conditions while the first virtual network function (51) is in the sleep state. Detecting a change of network conditions in the network can comprise detecting a change to another virtual network function (52, 53, 54) active in the network, or another virtual network function (52) in the sleep state, which impacts the configuration (21) of the first virtual network function (51).