Network functions virtualization (also
network function virtualization or
NFV)[1] is a
network architecture concept that uses the technologies of IT
virtualization to virtualize entire classes of
network node functions into building blocks that may connect, or chain together, to create communication services.
NFV relies upon, but differs from, traditional server-
virtualization techniques, such as those used in enterprise IT. A virtualized network function, or VNF, may consist of one or more
virtual machines or
containers running different software and processes, on top of standard high-volume servers, switches and storage devices, or even
cloud computing infrastructure, instead of having custom hardware appliances for each network function.