Abstract: A method at an orchestrator in a virtualized environment of a communications network. The method comprises receiving a request related to operation of a service, wherein the request comprises a first attribute instructing the orchestrator to perform a feasibility check for the service identified in said request. The method further comprises performing the feasibility check for the service and responding to the request based on the result of the feasibility check.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus relating to identifying an instance of a virtual network function are provided. In one aspect, a method performed by a Network Functions Virtualisation Orchestrator is provided. The method comprises receiving, from a Virtual Network Function Manager (VNFM) identifying information for at least one Virtual Network Function, VNF, instance instantiated at the VNFM, wherein the identifying information is received from the VNFM in response to registration of one of the NFVO and the VNFM at the other of the NFVO and the VNFM. The method further comprises creating a record at the NFVO for the at least one VNF instance identified by the VNFM.