distributed hardware resources. With continual updates, operators can keep things running on the latest software without interruption to their customers. So, let us understand the role of the building blocks of NFV. 5G Infrastructure Design Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) are a software category that can provide essential network services on commonly used computing hardware without the need for purpose-built appliances. See Figure 12.1 for the high-level NFV architecture: Management and Operations Support System / Business Support Systems (OSS / BSS) Network Orchestration (MANO) Virtualized Network Functions (VNFs) NFV Orchestrator VNF Manager NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) Virtual Infrastructure Virtual Virtual Virtual Compute Storage Network Virtual Infrastructure Manager (VIM) Physical Infrastructure Compute Storage Network Figure 12.1 - NFV infrastructure architecture Let us gain a basic understanding of the NFV architecture to appreciate why this is very popular in the industry today and how it can promote agility and automation to rapidly deploy 5G network infrastructure. The NFV architecture includes the following elements: VNFs: Application software NFV Infrastructure (NFVI): Virtualization layer NFV Management and Orchestration (MANO): Orchestration layer NFV makes the architecture very modular. Some typical advantages of NFV include the following: Ease of upgrade of the network as it breaks free from monolithic architecture It reduces the network hardware space and energy needs, making it more sustainable The ability to replace the modules enhances the life of the network hardware Overall, it reduces the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) for network operators Next, let us look at the role of NVF and related concepts and their inter-relationships. Figure 12.2 shows the 5G architecture at a very high level and where NFV fits: Understanding NFV 5G Next Generation Core Network Network Function Software-Defined Network Slicing Virtualization (NFV) Networking (SDN) Flexible / HW-SW Decoupling Plane Decoupling Service