Virtualizing Network Functions in Cloud and Telecom Core Networks

Virtualization technologies are offering key solutions for the operators to achieve flexible management of the complex infrastructure such as cloud environments and telecom core networks. Specifically, virtualization technologies are enabling automating complex tasks such deploying a variety of software, network functions, and provisioning of the suitable environments for running multiple customers’ applications over the shared infrastructure. To handle these tasks in a flexible manner, operators are virtualizing underlying networks and key network functions. Mainly, virtual network functions such as IP addressing, naming services, proxy servers, and load balancing are helpful for easily managing and controlling key network tasks of cloud and telecom networks. In this chapter, we will discuss the importance of Network Function Virtualization (NFV) architecture and its role in virtualizing network functions.