Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) is a cornerstone of modern 5G infrastructure. It extends across the entire network, from the Next-Generation Core to the Radio Access Network (RAN), and enables advanced capabilities such as network slicing, service-based architecture, and mobile edge computing. By replacing dedicated hardware appliances with software-based functions running on standardized platforms, NFV allows operators to accelerate service innovation and respond flexibly to changing customer demands.
NFV delivers the flexibility and scalability that operators require, but it also brings considerable complexity. Among the many aspects to address, four challenges are particularly critical:
Performance and Scale
Bottlenecks in the NFVI host, virtual switch limitations, and the effectiveness of hardware acceleration techniques such as DPDK or SR-IOV must be evaluated. VNFs themselves can also restrict performance, raising questions such as whether they achieve the expected throughput and how many compute nodes are required to reach production scale.
Interoperability
Successful NFV adoption relies on seamless integration between components from multiple vendors. Orchestrators and VNF managers must interoperate with a wide range of VNFs, including routers, firewalls, switches, and load balancers. A lack of interoperability continues to slow down deployments across the industry.
Security
The shift from hardware to software functions introduces new vulnerabilities. NFV architectures are more exposed to DDoS attacks and other threats, and a compromised VNF can affect other VNFs sharing the same infrastructure. Robust validation across infrastructure, workloads, and management layers is essential.
Standards Alignment
ETSI has defined important NFV standards, but implementation across the industry remains inconsistent. The absence of uniform interpretation creates obstacles for integration and slows progress.
EANTC provides independent, vendor-neutral validation of NFV infrastructures, ensuring that solutions are reliable, secure, and interoperable. Our testing covers the full NFV ecosystem, from NFVI platforms and VNFs to orchestration and lifecycle management.
While NFV provides flexibility and scalability, it also introduces significant complexity. Four key challenges stand out:
Performance Benchmarking
We benchmark NFVI compute, storage, networking, and virtualization layers, as well as end-to-end VNF performance in realistic deployment scenarios.
Interoperability Testing
We co-developed ETSI TST007 to define methodologies for MANO interoperability. Our tests validate integration between orchestrators, VNF managers, and VNFs, and we certify VNFs for readiness before production onboarding.
Security Verification
We evaluate NFV infrastructures, workloads, and orchestration layers against security threats. Our framework validates isolation, resilience, and compliance with ETSI best practices.
EANTC’s independent expertise provides clarity in a complex NFV landscape. By validating performance, interoperability, and security, we help the industry adopt NFV with confidence and ensure that network infrastructures are ready for the demands of the future.