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 10 lists the VNFs that are currently supported by the Cloud CPE Solution.
Table 10: VNFs Supported by the Cloud CPE Solution
VNF Name | Network Functions Supported | Deployment Model Support | Element Management System Support |
|---|---|---|---|
Juniper Networks vSRX |
|
| EMS microservice |
LxCIPtable (a free, third-party VNF based on Linux IP tables) |
| 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 |