What is NFV?

Transforming networks

Network functions virtualization (NFV) is the concept of replacing dedicated network appliances — such as routers and firewalls — with software running on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) servers. The aim of NFV is to transform the way communication service providers (CSPs) architect networks and deliver network services. Network operations are transformed as network function software is dynamically instantiated in various locations in the network as needed, without requiring the installation of new equipment.

Real benefits

NFV a catalyst for major change in the networking and communications industry. Replacing dedicated appliances with shared servers dramatically reduces hardware costs. Operational costs also decrease with fewer appliances to deploy and maintain and the ability to offer on-demand pay-as-you go deployment models. But the key advantage is the increase in speed of bringing revenue-generating services to market. NFV brings unprecedented agility and flexibility and enables innovation by turning the network edge into a factory for virtual network functions (VNFs).

Optimizes service creation, activation, and assurance by bringing the benefits of the cloud to the metro edge.

Ensemble delivers NFV

Ensemble is the industry’s first open architecture for software-defined services. Designed to support high-performance business services, mobile backhaul and cloud connectivity, Ensemble optimizes service creation, activation, and assurance by bringing the benefits of the cloud to the metro edge. With this new open architecture that embraces the principles of software-defined networking (SDN) and NFV, service providers are able to maximize operational efficiencies and introduce new revenue-generating services faster and easier than ever before.