Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
Best Network Function Virtualization (NFV) include:
IBM Cloud Pak for Network Automation, Lumina VNF Manager, Mavenir CloudRange (discontinued) and Cisco Secure Agile Exchange (SAE).
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Learn More About Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
What is Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Software?
Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Software abstracts network tasks from physical devices and hardware by deploying them as virtual machines. NFV Software can create, deploy, map, and manage virtual machines to balance server loads, manage sessions, firewall, route mobile cores, and more. NFV Software can also stretch deployed machines across multiple network, architecture, and hardware domains without compromising performance.
NFV Software is useful for the creation and orchestration of scalable virtualized networks. Because they can dynamically orchestrate virtual machines to complete a number of tasks, they can be used to reduce reliance on dedicated hardware. NFV Software can also be used to facilitate network upgrade and maintenance. They can also be used to support application launches with increased service flexibility.
NFV Software is often discussed interchangeably with Software Defined Networking (SDN), but they have distinct characteristics and accomplish different tasks. Products in both categories abstract resources and tasks normally reserved for dedicated hardware. However, rather than virtualizing network components, SDN products create and implement programmable, automated elements into a network. NFV Software and SDN can both be used together to create flexible serverless architecture.
Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Software Features
The most common Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Software features are:
- Element management
- Virtual network management and orchestration
- Virtual infrastructure management and orchestration
- Physical and virtual asset management
- Layer virtualization
- Network visualization
- Virtual machine transference
- Remote support assistance
- Server and virtual machine backup
- Redundant source generation
Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Software Comparison
When choosing the best Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Software for you, consider the following:
Hardware limitations. Although the purpose of NFV Software is to virtualize network functions normally handled by hardware, the NFV Software will still be limited by the type of hardware you use. This is an especially important consideration if legacy hardware is incorporated into your virtual network because the hardware may not be able to handle NFV Software tasks (and quite possibly can’t be upgraded to do so). If legacy hardware is part of your workflow, ensure that the NFV Software you choose can work effectively with your equipment.
Network traffic. Because NFV Software-deployed virtual machines and the traffic between them don’t interact with physical devices, network monitoring tools and techniques have reduced visibility. Because of this, performance issues and network threats become harder to diagnose and address. Choosing NFV Software that grants more traffic visibility, either through included features or through third-party integrations, may be important to your business, especially if you are concerned about cyber attacks or protecting sensitive data.
Network virtualization strategy. Choosing the appropriate NFV Software product for you may be dependent on the type of virtualization you aim for. For example, some NFV Software products specialize in converging localized networks into a single virtual network, making them useful for external or cloud-based virtualization strategies. On the other hand, others focus on using one hardware source for multiple virtual machine and virtual network deployments, making them better choices for internally virtualized architectures.
Pricing Information
There are several free, open-source Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Software, but they require the user to install, troubleshoot, and update the product manually. Paid NFV Software is priced depending on included services and features, including implementation and maintenance. These prices vary by vendor, and they should be contacted for specific pricing. Most vendors offer free demos and trials.