The Specifics of NFV and SDN Automation – Role of NFVO

Most discussions revolving around data centers are focused on Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Software-Defined Networking (SDN) since the combination of both has proven to be a good fit for WANs. The main reason why the automation of NFV and SDN has raised eyebrows in the telecommunication industry is mainly because of the low cost of bandwidth for most industry organizations. Pairing the two can save a substantial amount of money that usually goes into bandwidth. NFV orchestration (NFVO) is a key component that helps standardize the functions of virtual networking, which increases the interoperability of SDN. The NFVO performs resource coordination and network service orchestration, among other critical functions.

Symphonica allows you to integrate your BSS to any network access technology with a few clicks, and easily design custom automated provisioning workflows. No coding required.

Where NFVO Fits in NFV

Network Functions Virtualization can widen the options for both enterprises and service providers by offering their clients new capabilities and services. However, the rise of new opportunities results in new challenges, which calls for better management tools and coordination solutions for providers to use NFV technologies.

NFVO can address these arising issues via three main functional categories, on-boarding a virtual infrastructure manager, virtual network function manager, and NFV orchestrator.

NFVO and Resource Coordination

It is important to orchestrate resources since it guarantees sufficient storage, computing, and network required to provide network services. Depending on your organization’s requirements, a virtual infrastructure manager works with the NFVO to meet the objectives of the network service provided.

The need for a virtual infrastructure manager can be eliminated if the NFVO works directly with Network Functions Virtualization Infrastructure (NFVI), enabling it to authorize, coordinate, release and engage. Apart from these functions, it can also govern virtual network functions when they share NFVI resources.

With various emerging issues, it is important to have options for mitigating network operators’ challenges, therefore deploying NFV- based solutions across different points of presence or multiple resources. NFVO creates a comprehensive service among various VNFs that VNFMs may manage.

NFVO can ensure service creation from one vendor. The core node VNFs of another vendor via orchestration of topology management of the network services instances referred to as VNF forwarding graphs.

NFVO Importance

• NFV is gearing towards an increase in velocity at a reduced operating cost for service providers’ new offerings. Since most mobile network operators, cloud providers, and other service providers are already used to traditional networks, NFV can integrate existing such as OSS and legacy networking systems.
• NFVO provides access to resources and instances to create an overall NFV solution that includes network services catalogs, VNF catalogs, NFV instances, and NFVI resources.

NFV and SDN

Most service providers opt for flexible networks and process automation such as the Software-Defined Network (SDN) AND Network Functions Virtualization (NFV). Benefits from merging the two include;

• Increased service agility
• Reduced service delivery lead-times
• Low operating expenses

Both SDN and NFV are usually deployed to preserve existing services and address issues that have been ongoing. To ensure that both SDN and NFV are interoperable with the existing network, the following should be considered;

• Are SDN networks deployed alongside networks within network blocks that are switched?
• Is there transparent management between underlying and overlying networks?
• Are virtualized network functions deployed inside traditional existing networks?
• Are VNF deployed in a mixed network environment consisting of both SDN and traditional networks?

There are several advantages to the automation of both NFV and SDN for network service providers, geared towards better and enhanced delivery. Some of these advantages include;

• Network agility
• Managing links between networks
• Enhanced Visibility

Symphonica allows you to integrate your BSS to any network access technology with a few clicks, and easily design custom automated provisioning workflows. No coding required.