Abstract

Today, the traditional concept of network service implementation is still dominant in most computer networks. We have specialized functions implemented on dedicated hardware, such as packet switching (L2 switching), traffic routing (L3 routing), network address translation (NAT), firewall, deep packet inspection, intrusion detection system (IDS), load balancing,WAN optimizing and stateful proxy [100]. However, the rapid increase in user requirements, great heterogeneity, and resourcedemanding services [98] require the engagement of additional financial resources for equipment procurement and staff training. It increases capital expenditures (CapEx) and operational expenditures (OpEx) and indicates the need to change the current concept of network function application to be more efficient.