Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided by which a virtual network function is instantiated. The virtual network function comprises at least one virtual network function component. Each virtual network function component is described by a virtual deployment unit. At least one virtual deployment unit is indicated as an inactive virtual deployment unit. Upon instantiating a virtual network function, only a virtual network function component which is not described by an inactive deployment unit is instantiated when instantiating the virtual network function.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are described by which a virtual network function is instantiated, wherein the virtual network function comprises at least one virtual network function component, each virtual network function component being described by a virtual deployment unit, and at least one virtual deployment unit being indicated as an inactive virtual deployment unit, wherein upon instantiating a virtual network function, only a virtual network function component is instantiated which is not described by an inactive deployment unit when instantiating the virtual network function.

Abstract: Various networks may benefit from suitable management techniques and systems. For example long term evolution networks and other wireless communication networks may benefit from a quality of experience aware transport self-organizing network framework. A method can include monitoring transport connectivity with respect to at least one base station (e.g. eNB) over a mobile backhaul. The method can also include detecting at least one degradation or anomaly in the transport connectivity of the at least one base station. The method can further include taking an appropriate network management action in response to the detected degradation or anomaly.