TOP 4 Reasons of Deploying Virtual Network Solutions Even If You Don't Move to NFV

NFWARE BLOG

01/04/2021

Network Function Virtualization is a great network architecture concept as a way to make networks more flexible and agile and accelerate service deployment. Moreover, it is a necessary step to 5G.

However, not every service provider is virtualizing their infrastructure yet, and they have their own reasons. Some companies prefer to go the traditional way by choosing hardware network functions, even though hardware solutions are less flexible.

Even if you don't virtualize your network yet, you still can deploy virtual solutions bare-metal on standard servers and benefit from it today.

Here are some basic advantages of deploying virtual or software-based networking solution bare metal, relevant for almost any network function like CGNAT, Load Balancer, Firewall, URL-Filtering and others:

#1 - Scalability

Virtual solutions allow operators to provision resources as needed at any time, and there is no need to think about the reserve of additional performance.
It is possible to scale the license of virtual solutions when needed.

#2 - Cost-effectiveness

X86 servers are a great economical solution that costs less and provides sufficient reliability.
For a relatively small network throughput, companies can deploy several network functions on just one server and allocate and scale the needed resources for a particular network function.Some virtual solutions like NFWare effectively utilize hardware resources which leads to better BTU, lower power consumption.
Operators don't have to spend money on excess performance
There is no problem with the equipment obsolescence related to hardware solutions.

#3 - Speed of Deployment

Unlike hardware equipment, which still needs to be bought and delivered to its destination, virtual solutions can be deployed in days. This advantage was especially evident during the pandemic, where logistic processes became more complicated

#4 - Future readiness

Deployment of the virtualized solution is a profound step towards 5G and edge readiness because the networks will become more agile.
Using unified hardware platforms makes it possible to move from centralized to distributed networks.
When the company is ready to virtualize its network, it can just migrate the same software to a virtual infrastructure.

Today, virtual solutions are more efficient, easier to scale, more flexible, and cheaper but may not be suitable for the implementation of specific projects that require specific hardware. Companies that choose the path of network virtualization can expect to enjoy numerous positive long-term results, from lower operating costs to speed of deployment. Thus, by taking smaller steps in your network virtualization you are getting closer to a big step towards 5G and the next-generation networks.

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