NFV Use Cases, 2015-12-06
2015-12-06
Network Functions Virtualisation aims to transform the way that network operators architect nwtworks by evolving standard IT virtualisation 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.
This document describes a set of service models and high level use cases which represent, in the view of NFV ISG member companies, important service models and initial fields of application for NFV, and which span the scope of technical challenges being addressed by the NFV ISG.
- CSP: Cloud Service Provider
- CSC: Cloud Service Customer
- PE: Provider Edge
- CPE: Customer Premises Equipment
1. Network Functions Virtualisation Infrastructure as a Service (NFVIaaS)
Cloud Computing Services are typically offered in three service models:
- Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS): CSPs provide infrastructures, including networking, storage and computing resources. Customers can install their own OS, and deploy any kinds of softwares on the Virtual Machine.
- Platform as a Service (PaaS): CSPs provide infrastructures with development environment. Customers cannot control underlying infrastructures. They can only use the functionality provided by the platform.
- Software as a Service (SaaS): CSCs just directly use the functionality provided by the CSPs. For example, use web browsers to get the results computed by CSPs.
- Network as a Service (NaaS): No standard definition. The network connectivity between CSPs and CSCs, or the network connectivity within data centers or between the computing nodes of a CSPs infrastructure.
Service is a word with multiple meanings that generally related to the act of doing something useful for another entity, often for a fee or as part of some commercial transaction, or as a functionality enabled by a service provider for the consumer of that service. It can also refer to a function that is performed by software for another entity.
NFV Infrastructure can be considered as providing the capability or functionality of providing an environment in which Virtualised Network Functions can execute.
This use case provides an approach to map the Cloud Computing Service Models IaaS and NaaS as elements within the Network Function Virtualisation Infrastructure when it is provided as a service.
2. Virtual Network Function as a Service (VNFaaS)
Pre-NFV service provider networks include a PE router at the edge of the core, facing the CPE device.
Virtualisation of the enterprise may include:
- Virtualisation of the CPE functions (vE-CPE) in the service provide cloud.
- Virtualisation of the PE functions (vPE) where the virtual network services functions and core-facing PE functions can be executed in the service provider cloud.