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. [1]

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 [2]

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 [3]

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