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Network Function Virtualization

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Erwin Benitez
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30 views

Network Function Virtualization

Uploaded by

Erwin Benitez
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is a technology that virtualizes entire classes of network node

functions into building blocks that can be connected to create communication services. It decouples
network functions from dedicated hardware devices, allowing them to run on virtual machines (VMs) or
containers on standard servers, routers, switches, and storage. NFV provides a way to design, deploy,
and manage networking services more flexibly and cost-effectively.

Key Components of NFV:

1. Virtual Network Functions (VNFs): These are the software-based versions of network functions
(e.g., firewalls, load balancers, routers) that traditionally run on dedicated hardware.

2. NFV Infrastructure (NFVI): This includes the physical and virtual resources (compute, storage,
and networking) on which the VNFs run. It can be a combination of hardware and software that
supports the deployment and connectivity of VNFs.

3. NFV Management and Orchestration (MANO): This is the framework that manages and
orchestrates the lifecycle of VNFs. It handles tasks like VNF deployment, scaling, monitoring, and
automation of operations.

Benefits of NFV:

• Reduced Capital Expenditure (CAPEX): Since NFV replaces dedicated hardware appliances with
software running on general-purpose hardware, it lowers hardware costs.

• Reduced Operational Expenditure (OPEX): NFV allows for more efficient use of resources and
automates many tasks, which reduces the cost of operation.

• Agility and Flexibility: Network services can be deployed or modified more rapidly because VNFs
can be spun up or down as needed.

• Scalability: NFV allows for easy scaling of network functions to meet changing demand without
requiring new hardware.

• Improved Time-to-Market: Service providers can introduce new services faster by deploying
VNFs rather than waiting for new hardware to be procured and installed.

Use Cases:

• Virtualized Evolved Packet Core (vEPC) in mobile networks.

• Virtualized Customer Premises Equipment (vCPE) for enterprise services.

• Network slicing in 5G networks, where virtual networks are created to serve different needs.

• Virtualized firewalls and other security functions.

NFV, often combined with Software-Defined Networking (SDN), is crucial for modern network
architectures, particularly in the context of cloud, 5G, and Internet of Things (IoT) deployments.

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