Impact of Network Function Virtualization: A Study based on Real-Life Mobile Network Data

Mobile Operators are looking for new ways to cope with ever-increasing data traffic while improving the operational and capital efficiency of their networks. Cloud computing and network function virtualization (NFV) have emerged as key enablers to optimize resource utilization and at the same time reduce network operational expenditure (OPEX). In virtualized networks, network functions are delivered as software running on generic hardware allowing service providers to dynamically allocate resources based on traffic and service demands. In this paper, we analyze resource utilization using real-life data of two different mobile networks and evaluate the impact virtualization would have on these networks. Some conclusions are drawn based on the analysis.