Network functions Virtualisation CIO Summit 2013 Peter Willis & Andy Reid
Contents 2 1. What is Network functions Virtualisation (NfV) 2. Strategic Networking Paradigms & Software Defined Networks 3. 2011-2012 Developments 4. European Telecommunications Standards Institute Network functions Virtualisation Industry Specification Group 5. 2012-2013 Developments 6. NfV in Enterprises - Consolidation of CPE 7. Key Take Aways Slide 2
What is Network functions Virtualisation? Competitive & Innovative Ecosystem Network functions Virtualisation Approach Independent Software Vendors Message Router CDN Session Border Controller WAN Acceleration DPI Firewall Carrier Grade NAT Tester/QoE monitor Orchestrated, automatic & remote install. SGSN/GGSN PE Router BRAS Fragmented non-commodity hardware. Physical install per appliance per site. Hardware development large barrier to entry for new vendors constraining innovation & competition. Radio Network Controller Classical Network Appliance Approach Its a bit like... Standard High Volume x86 Servers Standard High Volume Storage Standard High Volume Ethernet Switches Adding Machine Typewriter Printing Press Fax Machine Slide 3
Strategic Networking Paradigms & SDN Creates competitive supply of innovative applications by third parties. Open Innovation Software Defined Networks Creates abstractions to enable faster innovation. Network Functions Virtualisation Reduces CAPEX, OPEX, Space & Power Consumption. NFV and SDN are highly complementary, they are mutually beneficial but not dependent on each other (NFV can be deployed without SDN and vice-versa) SDN can enhance NFV performance, simplify compatibility, facilitate operations NFV aligns closely with SDN objectives to use commodity hardware and standard IT orchestration and management techniques
2011-2012 Developments Standard high volume servers have sufficient packet processing performance to cost effectively virtualise network appliances. The hypervisor need not be a bottleneck. LINUX need not be a bottleneck. TCO advantages are scenario specific but expect significant benefits. Plus a significant reduction in energy consumption. Slide 5
ETSI NfV Industry Specification Group (ISG) Network-operator-driven Initiated by 13 carriers Consensus in the white paper a Network Operator Council offers requirements grown to ~20 network operators so far First meeting mid-jan 2013 > 150 participants from > 50 firms Second meeting mid-apr 2013 284 participants from > 105 firms Open to non-etsi members. Recording of Prodip Sen s Webinar at http://www.layer123.com/nfv ETSI NfV collaboration portal white paper, published deliverables how to sign up, join mail lists, etc http://portal.etsi.org/portal/server.pt/co mmunity/nfv/367 Deliverables Common requirements & framework White papers identifying gaps and challenges as input to relevant standardisation bodies Slide 6 IN-CONFIDENCE
Virtual Firewall 2012-2013 Developments Gbps 20 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Virtual CDN + Video QoE Monitor 18.7 16.6 10.7 8 8 8 All PDL 4.5 4.5 4.5 All ABR VoD All ABR Live 7 Peak Ntwk Thro'put Cache (Gbit/s) with ASM Off Peak Ntwk Thro'put Cache (Gbit/s) with ASM On ASM Monitor Capacity (Gbit/s) Running on 1 HP BL460c G8 Open Source IPsec Termination With Virtualisation PDL = Progressive DownLoad. ABR = Adaptive Bit Rate. VoD = Video on Demand. Live = live linear TV. ASM = Adaptive Stream Monitor from IneoQuest. IPsec tunnels per DL360 server Tunnel set-up rate = 100/sec Without Virtualisation 1.2G 3.2Gbps 3.8Gbps Packets dropped! Software Hierarchical QoS Implementation Gbps per CPU Core Slide 7 Number of E5-2667 Cores
Traditional NFV NfV in Enterprises - Consolidation of CPE developer hardware & software bundle BT config & mgmt BT managed service IP697 Protects private network from Internet-based threats M-3050 Proxy SG 600 Sentry Steelhead nano engine Comprehensive IPS pro-actively detects/ prevents worms, data leaks & attacks Checks web content for malware & controls insecure channels (e.g. IM) Monitors network devices to collect/ analyse/ filter routine or false alerts Accelerates transfers by removing unnecessary or repeated data Prioritises apps and manages less important traffic over the Internet Slide 8 1 x 2 Unit rackmount server hypervisor + Status: Proof of Concept Platform
Simplifying the process From 90 days to 90 seconds Customer already has Managed Firewall and IP Connect Acceleration. Delivered as fixed appliances. Now orders BT Assure Threat Monitoring....Process step x Order entry Process step x+1 Process step x+2 Process step x+3 Process step x+4 Process step x+5... Customer already has Managed Firewall and IP Connect Acceleration. Delivered as virtual appliances. Fixed Appliance deployed Now orders BT Assure Threat Monitoring. Order entry Virtual Appliance deployed Slide 9
Key Takeaways BT and other network operators have proven NFV feasibility via proof of concept test platforms Network Functions Virtualisation likely to dramatically change the telecom landscape and industry over the next 2-5 years. Network operators and vendors have identified numerous fields of application spanning all domains (fixed and mobile network infrastructures) Significant CapEx/OpEx benefits leveraging the economies of scale Emerging virtual network appliance market Novel ways to architect and operate networks, spawning a new wave of industry wide innovation Opportunities for new market players Further information: http://portal.etsi.org/portal/server.pt/community/nfv Slide 10 10
Network Functions Virtualisation Invitation: on-going collaboration, trials Slide 11
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