Hálózatfunkció

Hálózatfunkció is a Hungarian term that translates to "network function" in English. It refers to a specific task or operation performed by a network device or software within a computer network. These functions are the building blocks that enable communication, data transfer, and the overall operation of a network.

Examples of network functions include routing, which determines the best path for data packets to travel across a network, and switching, which directs data traffic within a local network segment. Other common network functions include firewalling, which protects a network from unauthorized access, and Network Address Translation (NAT), which allows multiple devices on a private network to share a single public IP address.

In modern networking, network functions can be implemented in various ways. Traditionally, they were often performed by dedicated hardware appliances, such as routers or firewalls. However, with the rise of software-defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV), many of these functions can now be implemented as software running on general-purpose hardware or in virtual machines and containers. This virtualization offers greater flexibility, scalability, and cost-effectiveness in deploying and managing network services. Understanding network functions is crucial for comprehending how networks operate and how they can be designed, configured, and maintained.