nettverksfunksjonsvirtualisering

Nettverksfunksjoner, or network functions, are the operations and services that enable a computer or telecommunications network to transfer, manage, and secure data. They can be implemented in hardware, software, or a mix, and may run on dedicated devices, general purpose servers, or containerized platforms in the cloud. Core functions include routing (determining paths for data), switching (forwarding frames or packets within a network), addressing and name resolution, and session management. Additional functions include quality of service (QoS), firewalling, intrusion prevention, network address translation, load balancing, VPN termination, and DNS services.

In modern networks many functions are provided as virtualized network functions (VNFs) or cloud-native functions (CNFs). NFV (Network Functions Virtualization) and orchestration platforms enable the deployment and management of these functions as software on standard hardware. This allows rapid scaling, faster service deployment, and more flexible network architectures. In 5G networks, network functions are defined as discrete services (for example AMF, SMF, UPF) that communicate through service-based interfaces, illustrating the shift to modular, software-driven networks.

Standards bodies such as IETF and ETSI develop specifications for interfaces, descriptors, and management of network functions, while interoperability and security remain ongoing concerns. The term encompasses traditional appliances alongside modern virtualized and cloud-native implementations, with a trend toward automated orchestration and intent-based networking.