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.

Figure 1. NFV Blocks

Figure 1 shows NFV Blocks. It can be divided into four layers:

1. Virtualization Network Function (VNF) Layer
2. NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) Layer
3. Operation Support Subsystem (OSS) Layer
4. Management and Orchestration (MANO) Layer

Separating network functions from hardware yields numerous benefits for the network operator, which include:

• Reduced space needed for network hardware
• Reduce network power consumption
• Reduced network maintenance costs
• Easier network upgrades
• Longer life cycles for network hardware
• Reduced maintenance and hardware costs

References:

1. https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/network-functions-virtualization/
2. https://www.techplayon.com/network-function-virtualization-nfv-architecture/
3. https://www.blueplanet.com/resources/What-is-NFV-prx.html

Cite this article:

Hana M (2023), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), AnaTechMaz, pp.80