Scribd
Upload
3 views

Network Functions Virtualization

Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) utilizes virtual machines to replace physical network appliances, allowing for rapid deployment and cost savings. It separates communication services from specialized hardware, enabling on-demand service offerings and scalability without additional hardware purchases. The NFV architecture comprises a virtualization layer, virtual network functions (VNFs), NFV infrastructure (NFVI), and management and orchestration (MANO) components, facilitating a more dynamic and efficient network environment.

Uploaded by

024CSE DHARSHINI.A
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
3 views

Network Functions Virtualization

Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) utilizes virtual machines to replace physical network appliances, allowing for rapid deployment and cost savings. It separates communication services from specialized hardware, enabling on-demand service offerings and scalability without additional hardware purchases. The NFV architecture comprises a virtualization layer, virtual network functions (VNFs), NFV infrastructure (NFVI), and management and orchestration (MANO) components, facilitating a more dynamic and efficient network environment.

Uploaded by

024CSE DHARSHINI.A
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 2

Network Functions Virtualization

The term “Network Functions Virtualization” (NFV) refers to the use of virtual machines in
place of physical network appliances. There is a requirement for a hypervisor to operate
networking software and procedures like load balancing and routing by virtual computers. A
network functions virtualization standard was first proposed at the OpenFlow World Congress
in 2012 by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI), a group of service
providers that includes AT&T, China Mobile, BT Group, Deutsche Telekom, and many more.

Need of NFV:
With the help of NFV, it becomes possible to separate communication services from specialized
hardware like routers and firewalls. This eliminates the need for buying new hardware and
network operations can offer new services on demand. With this, it is possible to deploy
network components in a matter of hours as opposed to months as with conventional
networking. Furthermore, the virtualized services can run on less expensive generic servers.

Advantages:
● Lower expenses as it follows Pay as you go which implies companies only pay for what
they require.
● Less equipment as it works on virtual machines rather than actual machines which leads
to fewer appliances, which lowers operating expenses as well.
● Scalability of network architecture is quite quick and simple using virtual functions in
NFV. As a result, it does not call for the purchase of more hardware.

Working:
Usage of software by virtual machines enables to carry out the same networking tasks as
conventional hardware. The software handles the task of load balancing, routing, and firewall
security. Network engineers can automate the provisioning of the virtual network and program
all of its various components using a hypervisor or software-defined networking controller.
Components of NFV architecture:
The NFV architecture typically includes the following components:

1. Virtualization layer: This layer provides the virtualization environment that enables multiple
VNFs to run on the same physical infrastructure. It includes a hypervisor or container-based
virtualization platform that provides isolation, resource allocation, and management for the VNFs.
2. Virtual network functions (VNFs): These are the software-based network functions that
perform specific network tasks, such as routing, switching, firewalling, load balancing, and encryption.
The VNFs are typically deployed as virtual machines or containers and run on the virtualization layer.
3. NFV infrastructure (NFVI): This is the physical infrastructure that provides the computing,
storage, and networking resources needed to support the VNFs. The NFVI can be located in the data
centre, at the network edge, or in the cloud.
4. Management and orchestration (MANO): This component provides the management and
orchestration functions needed to deploy, monitor, and manage the VNFs running on the NFVI. It
includes functions such as service orchestration, resource allocation, fault management, and
performance management.

Overall, NFV enables organizations to deploy network functions more quickly and
cost-effectively while also providing greater flexibility, scalability, and agility. By virtualizing
network functions, operators can create a more dynamic and efficient network architecture that
can adapt to changing business and user requirements.

You might also like