Abstract: A configuration controller (60) is provided to make changes to configuration of a communications network (10) having VNFs used in providing services to UEs. If the change could affect a service using a first VNF (30), if made while that VNF is in use, a substitute VNF (32) is instantiated corresponding to that first VNF. The first UE is transferred to use the substitute VNF instead of the first VNF. The proposed change to the configuration is made with respect to either one of these VNFs, while the service to the first UE is maintained using the other one of these VNFs. If needed all VNFs and a service area can be substituted. Thus, such configuration changes no longer need to await a quiet period when few or no UEs are attached, and enable the configuration changes to be made more rapidly, responsive to changing circumstances.

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).

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 ftmction (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 ftmction (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).