Exploring NFV
Like SDN, NFV is another paradigm in the networking industry that aims to transform traditional network architectures by decoupling network functions from proprietary hardware appliances and running them as software-based virtualized instances on standard (commodity) servers. NFV represents a shift from hardware-centric networking to a more agile, flexible, and cost-effective approach that leverages the power of virtualization and cloud computing technologies.
Traditionally, network functions such as firewalls, routers, load balancers, and intrusion detection systems were implemented as dedicated hardware appliances. Each appliance performed a specific function, and scaling or updating the network required adding or replacing physical devices. This hardware-centric approach often led to inefficiencies, high capital expenses, and operational complexities.
NFV addresses these challenges by virtualizing network functions, allowing them to run on general-purpose servers...
