Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) is perhaps the most profound paradigm shift facing the networking industry. In carrier networks, proven functions such as switching, routing, firewall, and other security elements migrate from proven hardware platforms to unproven virtualized servers controlled by software to gain efficiency and flexibility.

Carriers worldwide agree on the need and vision for virtualization, but may still struggle to quantify the benefits, understand practical migration steps, and measure success:

• How should they go about replacing the current network architecture?
• Does virtualization justify investments in NFV and Software Defined Networking (SDN)?
• Do virtualized network functions (VNFs) deliver the same performance, resiliency, and security as traditional networks?

With subscriber expectations at an all-time high, providers can’t afford to leave NFV deployments to chance. Everything known—and proven—becomes unknown and unproven again. Jobs are on the line, and there are risks associated both with moving too fast, and not fast enough.

Life-cycle validation strategies are needed to accelerate and ensure delivery of virtualized solutions with guaranteed quality. In our latest eBook, Ixia virtualization experts share insights and best practices for ensuring successful “lab-to-live” migrations.

Demystifying NFV helps in understanding:

• What NFV is, and what changes with virtualization
• Market dynamics and migration forecasts
• Risks and deployment challenges
• Best practices for validating NFV strategies and maintaining visibility and performance

Ixia helps carriers understand when and how to virtualize network elements, delivering clear insight into the migration process. An active participant in the ETSI Industry Specification Groups (ISG) for NFV, we’re working with NEMs and service providers at the forefront of virtualization to define best practices for a smooth, profitable migration. Demystifying NFV offers life-cycle strategies for ensuring performance, visibility, and ROI as deployments scale.