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ericsson nfvi

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NFVI is a key component in the context of NFV (Network Functions Virtualization), which is an initiative to virtualize and consolidate many network equipment types onto standard IT infrastructure, such as servers, switches, and storage. NFVI provides the necessary infrastructure to run virtualized network functions (VNFs) efficiently. Here's a technical breakdown of Ericsson's NFVI:

  1. Hypervisor and Virtualization Technology:
    • Hypervisor: Ericsson's NFVI uses a hypervisor (e.g., KVM, VMware) to enable the creation and management of virtual machines (VMs) on the underlying hardware. This allows for the isolation of different VNFs and ensures efficient resource utilization.
  2. Compute Resources:
    • Servers: The NFVI is deployed on standard servers, which can be part of a data center or distributed across the network. These servers host the virtualized network functions and run the necessary virtualization software.
  3. Storage:
    • Storage Infrastructure: NFVI requires storage for VM images, configurations, and data. This storage can be provided by local disks or network-attached storage (NAS) systems. Ericsson's NFVI likely supports various storage solutions and technologies.
  4. Networking:
    • Virtual Switching: NFVI includes virtual switches that enable communication between virtual machines and with the external network. These switches are essential for creating the network topology required for VNF communication.
    • SDN (Software-Defined Networking): Ericsson's NFVI may leverage SDN principles to dynamically manage and optimize network resources. SDN separates the control plane from the data plane, allowing for programmable and flexible network management.
  5. Management and Orchestration (MANO):
    • NFV Orchestrator: The NFV Orchestrator is responsible for the lifecycle management of VNFs. It orchestrates the instantiation, scaling, and termination of VNFs based on the network's demand.
    • VNF Manager: This component is responsible for managing individual VNF instances. It communicates with the NFV Orchestrator to ensure that the VNFs are deployed and configured correctly.
  6. Security:
    • Security Measures: Ericsson's NFVI is likely equipped with security features to ensure the integrity and confidentiality of network traffic. This may include encryption, access controls, and other security measures.
  7. Integration with Ericsson's Network Solutions:
    • Integration Interfaces: Ericsson's NFVI is designed to integrate seamlessly with Ericsson's broader portfolio of network solutions, including radio access, core networks, and management systems.