About Me
Cisco Certified Architect (CCAr)
1 **Foundation**
1-1 **Networking Fundamentals**
1-1 1 OSI and TCPIP Models
1-1 2 Network Devices and Their Functions
1-1 3 IP Addressing and Subnetting
1-1 4 Routing and Switching Basics
1-1 5 Network Security Fundamentals
1-2 **Enterprise Architecture**
1-2 1 Enterprise Network Design Principles
1-2 2 Network Segmentation and Zoning
1-2 3 Network Services and Protocols
1-2 4 Network Management and Monitoring
1-2 5 Network Automation and Programmability
2 **Design**
2-1 **Network Design Methodologies**
2-1 1 Design Life Cycle
2-1 2 Requirements Gathering and Analysis
2-1 3 Design Documentation and Validation
2-1 4 Design Implementation and Testing
2-1 5 Design Maintenance and Optimization
2-2 **Enterprise Network Design**
2-2 1 Campus Network Design
2-2 2 Data Center Network Design
2-2 3 WAN Design
2-2 4 Wireless Network Design
2-2 5 Security Architecture Design
3 **Implementation**
3-1 **Network Implementation Planning**
3-1 1 Implementation Strategies
3-1 2 Resource Allocation and Scheduling
3-1 3 Risk Management and Mitigation
3-1 4 Change Management
3-1 5 Post-Implementation Review
3-2 **Network Services Implementation**
3-2 1 IP Address Management (IPAM)
3-2 2 DNS and DHCP Implementation
3-2 3 Network Access Control (NAC)
3-2 4 VPN and Remote Access Implementation
3-2 5 Network Security Services Implementation
4 **Operation**
4-1 **Network Operations Management**
4-1 1 Network Monitoring and Performance Management
4-1 2 Fault Management and Troubleshooting
4-1 3 Capacity Planning and Management
4-1 4 Network Change and Configuration Management
4-1 5 Network Compliance and Auditing
4-2 **Network Security Operations**
4-2 1 Incident Response and Management
4-2 2 Threat Detection and Mitigation
4-2 3 Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
4-2 4 Vulnerability Management
4-2 5 Security Policy Enforcement and Monitoring
5 **Optimization**
5-1 **Network Optimization Techniques**
5-1 1 Traffic Engineering and Load Balancing
5-1 2 Quality of Service (QoS) Implementation
5-1 3 Network Performance Tuning
5-1 4 Energy Efficiency and Green Networking
5-1 5 Network Optimization Tools and Technologies
5-2 **Network Automation and Orchestration**
5-2 1 Network Programmability and Automation
5-2 2 Software-Defined Networking (SDN)
5-2 3 Network Function Virtualization (NFV)
5-2 4 Automation Tools and Frameworks
5-2 5 Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CICD) for Networks
6 **Leadership**
6-1 **Leadership and Management Skills**
6-1 1 Strategic Planning and Vision
6-1 2 Team Leadership and Development
6-1 3 Communication and Stakeholder Management
6-1 4 Financial Management and Budgeting
6-1 5 Project Management and Execution
6-2 **Professional Ethics and Standards**
6-2 1 Ethical Decision-Making
6-2 2 Industry Standards and Compliance
6-2 3 Intellectual Property and Licensing
6-2 4 Professional Development and Continuous Learning
6-2 5 Global and Cultural Awareness
5.2.3 Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Explained

5.2.3 Network Function Virtualization (NFV) Explained

Key Concepts

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) involves the virtualization of network functions to run on standard IT hardware rather than specialized hardware appliances. Key concepts include:

Virtual Network Functions (VNFs)

Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) are software implementations of traditional network functions such as firewalls, load balancers, and routers. VNFs run on standard IT hardware, allowing network functions to be deployed, scaled, and managed more flexibly than with traditional hardware appliances.

An analogy for VNFs is a software application. Just as a software application runs on a computer, VNFs run on standard IT hardware, providing network functions without the need for specialized hardware.

NFV Infrastructure (NFVI)

NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) refers to the hardware and software resources that support the execution of VNFs. This includes servers, storage, and networking components that provide the necessary compute, storage, and network resources for VNFs to operate.

Think of NFVI as the underlying infrastructure of a data center. Just as a data center provides the physical and virtual resources for applications, NFVI provides the resources for VNFs to run.

Management and Orchestration (MANO)

Management and Orchestration (MANO) involves the systems and processes used to manage and orchestrate VNFs and NFVI. This includes functions like lifecycle management, monitoring, and scaling of VNFs. MANO ensures that VNFs are deployed, configured, and managed efficiently.

An analogy for MANO is a traffic control system. Just as a traffic control system manages the flow of vehicles, MANO manages the deployment and operation of VNFs.

Service Chaining

Service Chaining involves linking multiple VNFs together to create a sequence of network services. This allows for the creation of complex network services by chaining together simple VNFs. Service chaining enables the dynamic creation and modification of network services.

Think of Service Chaining as a production line. Just as a production line chains together multiple steps to create a product, service chaining links multiple VNFs to create a network service.

Scalability and Flexibility

Scalability and Flexibility are key benefits of NFV. VNFs can be easily scaled up or down based on demand, and new network functions can be quickly deployed without the need for additional hardware. This flexibility allows for rapid adaptation to changing network requirements.

An analogy for Scalability and Flexibility is a modular kitchen. Just as a modular kitchen can be easily reconfigured, NFV allows network functions to be easily scaled and reconfigured to meet changing needs.

Understanding Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is crucial for creating flexible, scalable, and efficient network solutions. By mastering these concepts, network architects can design and implement advanced network services that adapt to evolving business needs.

© 2024 Ahmed Baheeg Khorshid. All rights reserved.