This document discusses several network functions virtualization (NFV) use cases. It begins with an overview of NFV, which aims to consolidate network equipment types onto standard servers and switches. This provides benefits like rapid service innovation, improved efficiencies, reduced power usage, and greater flexibility. Specific use cases covered include virtualizing mobile core networks, base stations, CDNs, and home environments. It also discusses providing virtual network functions as a service (VNFaaS) and virtualizing network infrastructure as a service. For VNFaaS, it describes virtualizing enterprise customer premise equipment and provider edge routers as a service provided by the network operator.

1. NFV Use Cases
by Abdul Ravoof

2. NFV Definition
Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) aims to transform the
way that network operators architect networks by evolving
standard IT virtualization technology to consolidate many
network equipment types onto industry standard high volume
servers, switches and storage, which could be located in a
variety of NFVI-PoPs including datacenters, network nodes
and in end user premises
In short , Act of Being Something without being it

3. NFV Objectives
• Rapid service innovation through software-based deployment and
operationalization of network functions and end-to-end services.
• Improved operational efficiencies resulting from common automation and
operating procedures.
• Reduced power usage achieved by migrating workloads and powering down
unused hardware.
• Standardized and open interfaces between network functions and their
management entities so that such decoupled network elements can be provided
by different players.
• Greater flexibility in assigning VNFs to hardware.
• Improved capital efficiencies compared with dedicated hardware implementations

4. Introduction on Use Cases
• Contains Service Models of Cloud Computing & applications of networks &
Market Segments
• Virtual Network Function as Service ( VNFaaS)
• Virtualization of Mobile Core Network and IMS
• Virtualization of Mobile Base Station
• Virtualization of Home Environments
• Virtualization of CDNs
• Fixed Access Network Functions Virtualization
• Virtual Network Platform as a Service (VNPaaS)
• Virtual Network Infrastructure as a Service (VNIaaS)
• Virtualization Forwarding Graphs

5. Virtual Network Function as a Service( VNFaaS)
Motivation :-
• Virtualization of control plane functions improves scalability
• Virtualization of enterprise CPE ( access router ) to provider’s network
• Operate VNF instance for to implement enterprise CPE
• VNF instance for control plane of PE router to improve scalability
• VNF functionality available to enterprise as service = cloud computing
software as service
• In SaaS , customer can manage application only from a configuration
perspective & cannot control the complete infrastructure layer
• VNF = service provider application & Enterprise = consumer of the service

6. Advantages of VNFaaS
• Modest software tool footprint for the enterprise to access the service
• Efficient use of software licenses
• Centralized management and data
• Savings in up-front costs

7. VNFaaS Description
• Virtualization of CPE functions ( vE-CPE) in the Service provider Cloud
• Virtualization of PE functions in the service provider cloud
• vE-CPE and vPE may be controlled by a centralized controller following the SDN
architecture principles & standards( e.g. OpenFlow)
• Service provider is responsible for deploying, configuring, updating & managing
VNF instance to provide expected SLA
Figure : Service Provider without Virtualization

8. Virtual Enterprise CPE(vE-CPE) Solution
• Eliminates the need of multiple CPE appliances benefitting lower CAPEX &
OPEX
• Multiple CPE appliances includes advanced IPv4/IPv6 routing, firewall,
intrusion detection, digital voice, WAN optimization Controller, DPI, Layer
3 VPNs, QoS support and MPLS

9. VNFaaS Virtual PE(vPE) Solution
Provider Provisioned Virtual Private Network Service (PPVPNS) functions in the vPE include
layer 3 IP VPNs, layer 2 VPLS, EVPN, pseudo-wire services and more
Figure : Virtualisation of CPE, Virtual Network Services and PE core facing functions

10. VNFaaS Virtualization Target
• AR - Enterprise Access Router / Enterprise CPE
• PE - Provider Edge Router
• FW - Enterprise Firewall
• NG-FW - Enterprise NG-FW
• WOC - Enterprise WAN optimization Controller
• DPI - Deep Packet Inspection (Appliance or a function)
• IPS - Intrusion Prevention System and other Security appliances
• Network Performance Monitoring

11. VNFaaS Mixed Virtualization Scenarios
• Upper branch, the vE-CPE is implemented in the operator NFV network
• Lower branch, represents a legacy solution provided by non- Virtualized branches

12. VNFaaS Problem description/Issues
• vE-CPE and vPE are required to support a large number of applications
• large number of Virtualised devices need to be integrated on limited
number of CPUs
• Be integrated in a single virtual machine
• Be split across a core set of functions and virtual network services
functions
• vPE and vE-CPE be controlled by a centralized controller following the SDN
architecture principles and standards
• Extending the Enterprise LAN into the operator network requires a VPN
between the enterprise and the operator virtual function