Lecture on Network Function Virtualization (NFV) and Virtual Networks

Introduction

• Rapid changes in data management and network deployment
• Transition from physical server farms to virtual servers

Traditional Server Farms

• Use of individual computers and servers
• Example: 100 servers connected via enterprise network
• Use of VLANs, redundant connections, and high-speed communication

Transition to Virtual Servers

• Reduction from 100 physical servers to 100 virtual servers on a single physical device
• Impact on network infrastructure

Network Function Virtualization (NFV)

• Replacement of physical network devices with virtual ones
• All network functions moved to the hypervisor
• Includes switching, routing, VLANs, firewalls, etc.
• Provides same functionality and additional capabilities

Benefits of NFV

• Simplified deployment of network devices
  • Example: Adding a new router or switch via hypervisor
• Various deployment options for virtual machines and containers
• Fault tolerance and monitoring services

Role of the Hypervisor

• Also known as Virtual Machine Manager (VMM)
• Manages operating systems, virtual systems, and network connections
• Controls access to CPU, memory, and network
• Central Management Console: "Single pane of glass"

Hypervisor Details

• Example of a hypervisor managing multiple virtual regions and machines
  • 24 processors, 47 GHz CPU cycles, 90 GB memory

Virtual Switch (vSwitch)

• Virtual counterpart to physical switches
• Configurable forwarding options, link aggregation, port mirroring, NetFlow
• Deployment through hypervisor, can be automated via API

vSwitch Example

• Connects to 8 networks, 4 hosts
• Supports 553 ports
• Features: NetFlow, LACP, port mirroring, health check

Virtual Network Interface Card (vNIC)

• Required for virtual servers to communicate
• Configurable through the hypervisor
• Features: Multiple NICs for load balancing, VLANs, monitoring

Network Connectivity

• Uplink to physical network from virtual world
• Configurable virtual machine ports and interfaces
• Private networks, VLAN association, complex network configurations