Two-Tier Model for Supporting Network Functions Virtualization with FoCES

Network functions virtualization (NFV) is used to leverage standard virtualization technologies to consolidate multiple network functions onto industry standard equipment. And most network functions consist of two layers including control plane and data plane. So we put forward a two-tier model for supporting network function virtualization based on ForCES framework. It includes three key components: CP, NF, and NF Manager. NF Manager judges which CP is active and establishes communication channel between NF and CP. NF is regarded as one of network functions such as switching elements, mobile network nodes, and other network-wide functions. CP runs the NF terminals to manage corresponding NFs and configures NF topology to customize service chaining. Besides, this model should include authentication and authorization mechanism to ensure communication security and NF security, message priority to provide different service of quality for different network functions, and CP redundancy or CP failover to reduce the affect introduced by a single point of failure. This paper mainly puts forward a general model for network functions virtualization, points out key-components, and lists current technologies related with NFV. At last, it designs two typical frameworks based on our proposed two-tier model. We hope our analysis about device framework for supporting network functions virtualization can enhance the speed of deployment of network functions virtualization.