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What is VNFM VNF Manager

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— 2 min read

VNFM (Virtual Network Function Manager): The Overseer of VNFs

In Network Functions Virtualization (NFV), a VNFM (Virtual Network Function Manager) plays a crucial role in the lifecycle management of Virtual Network Functions (VNFs). Here's a detailed technical explanation:

Understanding NFV and VNFs:

  • Network Functions Virtualization (NFV): This technology virtualizes network functions traditionally performed by dedicated hardware appliances. Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) are software applications that deliver these functionalities, running on standard server hardware.
  • The Need for VNF Management: VNFs require lifecycle management, including tasks like deployment, configuration, scaling, health monitoring, and updates. A VNFM automates and simplifies these processes.

VNFM Responsibilities:

A VNFM acts as a dedicated manager for VNFs, handling various aspects of their lifecycle:

  • Deployment: The VNFM takes care of deploying VNFs on the underlying infrastructure. This involves provisioning resources, installing the VNF software, and configuring it based on the VNFD (Virtual Network Function Descriptor).
  • Configuration Management: The VNFM manages the configuration of VNFs throughout their lifecycle. This includes initial configuration, applying updates, and managing configuration drift.
  • Scaling: The VNFM can scale VNFs up or down based on network traffic demands. This ensures optimal resource utilization and service performance.
  • Health Monitoring: The VNFM continuously monitors the health and performance of VNFs. It collects metrics like CPU, memory, and resource utilization, and may also monitor VNF-specific KPIs (Key Performance Indicators).
  • Fault Management: In case of failures or errors, the VNFM can perform automated recovery actions or alert the network operator for intervention.
  • Lifecycle Management: The VNFM manages the complete lifecycle of VNFs, including starting, stopping, restarting, upgrading, and ultimately decommissioning them when no longer needed.

Benefits of Using a VNFM:

  • Automation: VNFMs automate many VNF lifecycle management tasks, reducing manual workload and improving operational efficiency.
  • Standardization: VNFMs can promote consistent management practices across different VNFs, simplifying operations and reducing errors.
  • Reduced Complexity: By centralizing VNF management, VNFMs simplify the overall NFV environment, making it easier to manage and scale.
  • Improved Resource Utilization: VNFMs can optimize resource allocation and scaling based on real-time traffic demands.
  • Faster Service Delivery: Automation through VNFMs accelerates VNF deployment and service provisioning.

Technical Considerations for VNFMs:

  • Integration with NFVO: VNFMs typically operate within the broader NFV Management and Orchestration (MANO) framework. They integrate with the NFV Orchestrator (NFVO) to receive instructions and manage VNFs accordingly.
  • Support for VNF Standards: VNFMs should support industry-standard protocols like NETCONF and YANG for communication with VNFs. This ensures interoperability with different VNF vendors.
  • Security: VNFMs need robust security features for secure access, authentication, and authorization to manage VNFs.

Types of VNFMs:

There are two main deployment models for VNFMs:

  • Vendor-Specific VNFMs: These are provided by the VNF vendor and are typically designed to manage their specific VNF products.
  • Open-Source VNFMs: Open-source options like OpenStack Heat or OpenNESS VNF Manager offer a vendor-neutral approach to VNF management.

Conclusion:

VNFMs are essential tools for managing VNFs efficiently in NFV deployments. They automate lifecycle tasks, simplify operations, and ensure optimal performance of VNFs. As NFV adoption continues to grow, VNFMs will play a critical role in enabling agile and scalable network services.

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