minimizing the typical network operator cycle of innovation. Availability of network appliance multi-version and multi-tenancy, which allows use of a single platform for different applications, users and tenants. This allows network operators to share resources across services and across different customer bases. Targeted service introduction based on geography or customer sets is possible. Services can be rapidly scaled up/down as required. Enables a wide variety of eco-systems and encourages openness. It opens the virtual appliance market to pure software entrants, small players and academia, encouraging more innovation to bring new services and new revenue streams quickly at much lower risk. CHALLENGES Though Network Functions Virtualization has many benefits, there are many challenges as well in this current scenario: Downloaded: 4/15/2022 9:44:49 AM Nova Southeastern University IP Address: 137.52.76.29 Introduction to SDN and NFV Achieving high performance virtualized network appliances which are portable between different hardware vendors, and with different hypervisors. Achieving co-existence with bespoke hardware based network platforms whilst enabling an efficient migration path to fully virtualized network platforms, which reuse network operator OSS/BSS. OSS/BSS development needs to move to a model in-line with Network Functions Virtualization and this is where SDN can play a role. Managing and orchestrating many virtual network appliances, particularly alongside legacy management systems, while ensuring security from attack and misconfiguration. NFV will only scale if all of the network functions can be automated. Ensuring the appropriate level of resilience to hardware and software failures. Integrating multiple virtual appliances from different vendors. Network operators need to be able to mix and match hardware from different vendors without incurring significant integration costs and avoiding lock-in. RESEARCH AREAS AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS The future directions in which NFV has to move forward check 