Network Functions Virtualization
What is NFV?
Network functions virtualization (NFV) (also known as virtual network function
(VNF)) offers a new way to design, deploy and manage networking services. NFV
decouples the network functions, such as network address translation (NAT),
firewalling, intrusion detection, domain name service (DNS), and caching, to name
a few, from proprietary hardware appliances so they can run in software.
Its designed to consolidate and deliver the networking components needed to
support a fully virtualized infrastructure including virtual servers, storage, and
even other networks. It utilizes standard IT virtualization technologies that run on
high-volume service, switch and storage hardware to virtualize network functions. It
is applicable to any data plane processing or control plane function in both wired
and wireless network infrastructures.
How a Managed Router Service Can be Deployed with
NFV
Sample Network Functions Virtualization NFV deployment
History of Network Functions Virtualization
The concept originated from service providers who were looking to accelerate the
deployment of new network services to support their revenue and growth
objectives. The constraints of hardware-based appliances led them to applying
standard IT virtualization technologies to their networks. To accelerate progress
towards this common goal, several providers came together and created
the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI).
The ETSI Industry Specification Group for Network Functions Virtualization (ETSI
ISG NFV), a group charged with developing requirements and architecture for
virtualization for various functions within telecoms networks, such as standards
like NFV MANO. ETSI is also instrumental in collaborative projects like the newly
announced OPNFV.
The Benefits of Network Functions Virtualization
NFV virtualizes network services via software to enable operators to:
Reduce CapEx: reducing the need to purchase purpose-built hardware and
supporting pay-as-you-grow models to eliminate wasteful over-provisioning.
Reduce OpEX: reducing space, power and cooling requirements of
equipment and simplifying the roll out and management of network services.
Accelerate Time-to-Market: reducing the time to deploy new networking
services to support changing business requirements, seize new market
opportunities and improve return on investment of new services. Also lowers
the risks associated with rolling out new services, allowing providers to easily
trial and evolve services to determine what best meets the needs of
customers.
Deliver Agility and Flexibility: quickly scale up or down services to address
changing demands; support innovation by enabling services to be delivered
via software on any industry-standard server hardware.