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VNF Overview

A virtualized network function (VNF) is a software application used in a Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) implementation that has well defined interfaces, and provides one or more component networking functions in a defined way. For example, a security VNF provides Network Address Translation (NAT) and firewall component functions.

For the Cloud CPE solution in a centralized deployment model, you design network services for customers based on VNFs. Each VNF used in the network service is deployed in its own virtual machine (VM). The connections between VNFs depend on how VIMs define them over the NFV Infrastructure (NFVI).

For the Cloud CPE solution in distributed deployment model, the Open vSwitch (OVS) bridges are used within the NFX hypervisor.

You can specify the following required resources for a VNF package when you create it in Resource Designer.

  • Number of virtual CPUs
  • Virtual memory (MB)
  • Virtual disk capacity (MB)
  • License cost

The Cloud CPE solution supports a range of Juniper Networks and third-party VNFs. Vendors can provide multiple versions of a VNF that offer differentiated performance. You can see available VNFs and their specifications and resource requirements in the VNF catalog of the Network Service Designer tool. Table 1 lists the VNFs that are currently supported by the Cloud CPE Solution.

Table 1: VNFs Supported by the Cloud CPE Solution

VNF Name

Network Functions Supported

Deployment Model Support

Element Management System Support

Juniper Networks vSRX

  • Network Address Translation
  • Demonstration version of Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)
  • Firewall
  • Unified Threat Management (UTM)
  • Centralized deployment
  • Distributed deployment supports firewall and UTM

EMS microservice

LxCIPtable (a free, third-party VNF based on Linux IP tables)

  • NAT
  • Firewall

Centralized deployment

EMS microservice

Cisco Cloud Services Router 1000V Series (CSR-1000V)

Firewall

Centralized deployment

Junos Space Network Management Platform

Riverbed Steelhead

WAN optimization

Distributed deployment, NFX250 platform only

EMS microservice

Silver Peak VX

WAN optimization

Distributed deployment, NFX250 platform only

EMS microservice

 
 

Modified: 2017-03-30

 
 

Modified: 2017-03-30