NFV Infrastructure (NFVI)

NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) is a foundational component of the Network Function Virtualization (NFV) architecture. It provides the physical and virtual resources on which Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) run. Essentially, it’s the environment where the virtual network functions are instantiated, operated, and managed. Let’s delve into its details:

Components of NFVI:

  • Hardware ResourcesThis includes the actual physical equipment, such as servers, storage devices, and network hardware (like switches and routers). It’s often standard commodity hardware, not specialized equipment.
  • Virtualization LayerThis is responsible for creating and managing virtual resources (like virtual machines or containers) on the hardware. Common technologies include hypervisors like KVM, VMware, and Xen.
  • Virtual ResourcesThese are the virtual counterparts of the physical hardware — virtual CPUs (vCPUs), virtual memory, virtual storage, and virtual network interfaces.

Characteristics:

  • Resource PoolingNFVI allows for the pooling of physical resources, enabling efficient allocation to different VNFs based on need.
  • Multi-TenancyMultiple VNFs, possibly from different service providers or vendors, can co-exist on the same NFVI.
  • ScalabilityResources can be scaled out or in dynamically based on the requirements of the VNFs.

Functions:

  • ComputeProvisioning of vCPUs and memory for VNFs.
  • StorageProvides virtual storage resources, either as block storage or file systems.
  • NetworkingManages the virtual networks and ensures connectivity among VNFs and between VNFs and external networks.

Benefits:

  • Cost EfficiencyBy using commodity hardware and shared resources, NFVI can significantly reduce capital expenditures (CAPEX) and operational expenditures (OPEX).
  • FlexibilityResources can be allocated, reallocated, or deallocated on-the-fly, offering great flexibility to adapt to changing demands.
  • Rapid DeploymentNew services or updates can be deployed quickly without the need to procure and install new physical hardware.

Challenges:

  • PerformanceEnsuring that the virtualized environment can meet the performance and latency requirements of certain network functions.
  • SecurityIntroducing a virtualization layer can create new vulnerabilities. Isolating and securing VNFs from each other, especially in multi-tenant environments, is crucial.
  • Management ComplexityWith the added flexibility comes increased complexity in managing and orchestrating resources.

Relationship with other NFV Components:

  • VNFs: As mentioned, VNFs run atop the NFVI. Their performance and reliability depend on the underlying NFVI’s efficiency.
  • NFV Management and Orchestration (MANO): MANO oversees the deployment, operation, and management of services on the NFVI. It ensures that VNFs get the resources they need and handles lifecycle management tasks.

In essence, NFVI is the bedrock upon which the promise of NFV is realized. By providing a flexible, scalable, and efficient environment for running network functions as software, NFVI is central to transforming the telecommunications and networking sectors.

Key terms in plain language

Open a term for a concise explanation of language used on this page.

Latency

The time it takes data to travel between two points. Lower latency improves voice, video meetings, cloud applications, gaming, and other real-time services.

Cloud Computing

Computing resources—such as applications, servers, storage, or databases—delivered from remote infrastructure and scaled as requirements change.

Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS)

Cloud-based servers, storage, and networking that customers configure and manage without owning the underlying data-center hardware.

Software as a Service (SaaS)

Software accessed as an online service instead of being installed and maintained entirely on the customer’s own computers or servers.

Disaster Recovery (DRaaS)

A plan and service for restoring applications, data, and operations after an outage or disruption. DRaaS provides recovery infrastructure through a managed cloud service.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

The systems and policies that determine who a user is, what resources they may access, and how that access is authenticated and reviewed.