Abstract: Embodiments relate to virtualization and have particular application to lifecycle management of Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs). Preferred embodiments provide a method for managing VNFs in a communications network that comprises management and orchestration (MANO) entities and a deployment management entity which is functionally separate from the MANO entities.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to virtualization and have particular application to lifecycle management of Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs). Preferred embodiments provide a method for managing VNFs in a communications network that comprises management and orchestration (MANO) entities and a deployment management entity which is functionally separate from the MANO entities.

Abstract: The present invention is designed to prevent nuisance calls to a user from calling parties, especially when the number of the calling party is withheld. A database is compiled of calling parties who the user does not wish to receive communications from and calls from those parties are blocked. The identity of the calling party is added to the database after the user receives a call from the party and decides at the time of the call that they do not wish to receive any further communication from that party. They invoke a method which extracts the identity of the calling party from the call signalling messages and adds it to the database. In this way further communications from the party will be denied.