What is Network Functions Virtualization(NFV)?

Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) is an architectural concept that uses IT virtualization technologies to virtualize entire classes of network node functions into building blocks that may be connected, or chained, together to create communication services. The core principle of NFV is the decoupling of network functions, such as routing, firewalling, and load balancing, from dedicated, proprietary hardware appliances. These functions are instead implemented as software, known as Virtual Network Functions (VNFs), which can run on standard commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers, switches, and storage. This approach provides greater agility, flexibility, and cost-efficiency compared to traditional hardware-based networks.

A. Decoupling of the data plane and control plane in networks is the fundamental principle of Software-Defined Networking (SDN), not NFV.
C. This statement is conceptually incorrect. NFV enables network services through software-based functions, rather than decoupling services from software.
D. This is the opposite of NFV's concept. NFV fundamentally relies on virtualization technology to run network functions on general-purpose hardware.

1. ETSI. (2012). Network Functions Virtualisation – An Introduction

Benefits

Enablers

Challenges & Call for Action. ETSI White Paper No. 1. Page 6

Section 3

"Concept

" states: "Network Functions Virtualisation aims to address these problems by evolving standard IT virtualisation technology to consolidate many network equipment types onto industry standard high volume servers

switches and storage... It involves implementing network functions in software that can run on a range of industry standard server hardware."

2. Huawei. (2017). Huawei Cloud-based NFV Solution White Paper. Page 4

Section 1.1

"What Is NFV

" states: "NFV decouples network functions from dedicated hardware devices so that they can be deployed as software on general-purpose servers."

3. Mijumbi

R.

Serrat

J.

Gorricho

J. L.

Bouten

N.

De Turck

F.

& Wauters

T. (2016). A survey on network functions virtualization. IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials

18(1)

237-261. Page 238

Section II.A

"Definition

" states: "NFV is a network architecture concept that proposes to use virtualization technologies to virtualize network functions that are now running on proprietary hardware." DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/COMST.2015.2477041