The difference between NFV automation and NFV orchestration

NFV automation and NFV orchestration have overlapping and interrelated functions that are critical to deploying virtual network services. Automation and orchestration are part of the critical management, automation and orchestration capabilities (MANO), and the lack of MANO standards has hindered leading service providers from deploying network function virtualization.

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NFV Automation

NFV automation reduces operating costs by transforming the traditional manual tasks of network service configuration and deployment into technical implementation. For example, various network services required by applications (such as priority, routing, and security) can be automatically provided.

Another typical example of NFV automation is enabling computing and storage resources (such as servers, containers or virtual machines) to run specific applications, such as virtual network functions (VNFs). To achieve NFV automation, many operators have adopted SDN controllers, which can detect changes in business flows and select data paths through the network based on parameters such as application type, quality of service and security rules.

NFV Orchestration

NFV orchestration is the process of automating the deployment and provisioning of multiple network components. Orchestration can create deployment blueprints for specific services. These services include:

• Service delivery automation
• Provide the necessary resources
• Physical and virtual resource management

Orchestration enables operators to combine multiple VNFs with physical network components into service chains to provide services to business or consumer users. It also provides VNF configuration and linking, as well as dynamic expansion and elastic services.