Sign in Subscribe

nfvi cloud

Last updated on 


NFVI (Network Functions Virtualization Infrastructure) is a foundational component in the world of Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). NFV is a network architecture concept that leverages IT virtualization technologies to virtualize entire classes of network node functions into building blocks that can be connected or chained together to create communication services.

NFVI Cloud - Technical Explanation:

1. Definition:

NFVI Cloud refers to the cloud infrastructure specifically designed, optimized, and deployed to host and run virtualized network functions (VNFs) as part of an NFV environment. The NFVI cloud provides the necessary computing, storage, and networking resources that VNFs require to operate.

2. Components:

The key components of an NFVI Cloud include:

  • Compute Resources: This primarily refers to server hardware where VNFs run. It may include CPUs, GPUs, memory, and other resources.
  • Storage Resources: This encompasses various types of storage such as block storage, object storage, and file storage. Storage is essential for storing VNF images, configurations, logs, and data.
  • Networking Resources: This includes physical and virtual networking components, such as switches, routers, virtual switches (vSwitches), network interfaces, and software-defined networking (SDN) controllers. Network resources facilitate communication between VNFs, between VNFs and external networks, and ensure efficient data flow.
  • Management and Orchestration (MANO): While not strictly part of NFVI, the MANO layer plays a crucial role in NFV. It includes the NFV Orchestrator (NFVO), Virtual Network Function Manager (VNFM), and Virtualized Infrastructure Manager (VIM). MANO is responsible for orchestrating, deploying, managing, and scaling VNFs on the NFVI Cloud.

3. Key Characteristics:

  • Virtualization: NFVI Cloud employs server virtualization technologies (e.g., hypervisors like KVM, VMware) to create virtual instances where VNFs run. This allows for efficient resource utilization and isolation.
  • Elasticity and Scalability: NFVI Cloud is designed to scale resources up or down dynamically based on workload demands. This ensures optimal performance and resource utilization.
  • High Availability: To ensure service continuity, NFVI Cloud incorporates redundancy, fault tolerance mechanisms, and high availability configurations.
  • Performance and QoS: NFVI Cloud is optimized to meet the performance requirements and Quality of Service (QoS) metrics of VNFs, ensuring low latency, high throughput, and reliability.
  • Security: Given the critical nature of network functions, NFVI Cloud implements stringent security measures such as isolation, encryption, access controls, and threat detection/prevention mechanisms.

4. Integration with SDN and NFV:

NFVI Cloud often integrates with Software-Defined Networking (SDN) solutions to provide dynamic, programmable, and automated network configurations. SDN allows for centralized control and programmability of network resources, enhancing agility and efficiency in an NFV environment.

Conclusion:

NFVI Cloud is a specialized cloud infrastructure designed to support the deployment and operation of virtualized network functions in an NFV environment. It encompasses a range of compute, storage, and networking resources, coupled with management and orchestration capabilities, to deliver scalable, flexible, and efficient network services. By leveraging virtualization, automation, and orchestration technologies, NFVI Cloud enables service providers to realize the benefits of NFV, such as cost savings, agility, scalability, and innovation in delivering network services.