What is NFV?
How it works, the benefits, and why you’ll be left behind without it.
Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) is an emerging technology that enables network operators to decouple network functions from proprietary hardware. With NFV, virtualised instances of network devices can be deployed on commodity servers, instead of relying on dedicated hardware appliances.
This technology allows network operators to gain greater flexibility in the deployment and management of their networks while lowering operational costs associated with purchasing and maintaining hardware equipment.
The concept behind NFV is simple: by virtualising traditional networking functions such as firewalls, routers, load balancers, WAN optimisation and intrusion detection systems (IDS), a single server can host multiple virtualised services that would have previously been provided by dedicated physical devices.
By deploying these services in software form on standard servers or “virtual machines” (VMs), they become much more flexible and cost-effective than traditional solutions. Additionally, this also frees up valuable rack space in data centres since there are no longer any physical boxes required for each service instance.
ActivePort’s NFV platform is helping companies deploy new technologies quickly without sacrificing reliability or security. As businesses increasingly move towards cloud computing platforms such as AWS or Azure for hosting applications and storing data, ActivePort’s software defined networking solutions will simplify network complexity and provide a seamless single-pane-of-glass view.
Below are five business benefits for using ActivePort’s NFV technology:
1) Lower Costs – By hosting multiple services on a single server or VM instance via NFV technology instead of needing dedicated hardware for each one individually, organisations can realise significant savings over time due to reduced capital expenditure costs associated with purchasing additional equipment;
2) Efficient Use Of Resources – Since resources like memory allocation and CPU processing power are no longer being wasted by running individual processes separately on different physical boxes but rather shared across multiple VMs running various applications simultaneously, system performance is greatly improved;
3) Scalability – Companies can easily scale their existing infrastructure based upon changing needs without having to purchase additional hardware. Businesses can reduce costs by only paying for what they need while still enjoying the scalability and flexibility that comes from running on virtual machines;
4) Simplified Deployment & Management – Deploying complex infrastructures becomes simpler than ever before thanks to automated provisioning procedures which eliminates manual configuration tasks;
5 ) Improved Security – By centralising control over access points between internal networks as well as external ones used for communication purposes, organisations are able create secure perimeters around sensitive areas ensuring better protection against malicious attacks.
The many benefits offered make doing so even more attractive. From lower costs due resource sharing among virtual machines, scalability options allowing easy expansion when needed along with simplified deployment & management processes leading improved security postures – the advantages and savings speak for themselves.
As leaders in the NFV technology, ActivePort understands the power of network functions virtualization. The ActivePort platform allows users to quickly and easily deploy network components in a matter of hours instead of months, as with traditional networking. Contact the ActivePort team and leverage the benefits of NFV today.