Network Functions Virtualization

FUNCTIONALITY

• NFV breaks the link between hardware and software present in today’s equipment.
• Network functions, both fixed and mobile, become software applications called Virtual Network functions (VNF).
• The operator can instantiate VNF on COTS (Commodity Off-The-Shelf) servers, such as the classic bladesystem of the most common suppliers, using virtualization technologies.

How is it performed:

• Physical layer: Hardware on generic server
• Hypervisor: abstraction layer that allows you to create multiple virtual machines (Virtual Machine) capable of executing different functions and applications
• VNF: applications created through software modules running on VMs, which can perform different functions (load-balancing, IDS/IPS, traffic routing, etc)

The architecture is based on three fundamental elements:

• VNF: Virtual Network Function.
• Network Function Virtualisation Infrastructure (NFVI): represents the physical and logical infrastructure made available for the execution of network functions.
• NFV Management and Orchestration (NFV MANO): contains the modules that have the function of managing and orchestrating the network functions.

The opportunities:

• New services and agility to release B2C and B2B services;
• Network optimization and improvement of operations;
• Opportunities for 5G (IoT, URLLS, UWB,..).

Network Function Virtualizations is guiding evolution in three areas:

• PRODUCT:
  • flexible networking
  • performance
  • scalability (up & down)
  • universal CPE (COTS
• OPERATIONS:
  • ZTP
  • Security & Encryption
  • Management & Upgrades
  • Assurance
  • Embedded Cloud

• ORGANISATION:
  • Multi-vendor ecosystem
  • Agility & DevOps