verkkotoiminto
Verkkotoiminto, often translated as network function, refers to a specific task or capability that is performed within a computer network. This can range from fundamental operations like routing data packets to more complex services such as firewalling, network address translation (NAT), or even hosting applications. In essence, it's any distinct job a network device or software performs to enable communication or provide network-based services.
Historically, these functions were typically handled by dedicated hardware appliances. For example, a router performed routing,
The advent of virtualization and cloud computing has revolutionized the concept of verkkotoiminto. Network functions can