Thanks to new gadgets and the Internet of Things, telecom networks are forced to handle more while still maintaining efficient speed and quality. Luckily, we have software defined networking (SDN) and network function virtualization (NFV).

When it comes to networking, SDN separates the control and data planes, while NFV virtualizes network functions into swappable building blocks. Together, they eliminate the need for specific hardware for applications and allow the sharing of network resources.

These concepts help to advance our communication networks and call for an update to what we are accustomed to when it comes to network functionality. Network operations and IT teams will need to change the way they work as SDN and NFV are software-drive operations which run on commodity data hardware.

Despite these major changes, the benefits will be plentiful. Communications companies will be able to switch services on and off automatically in real time, and more composite services will be available.

Companies are aware and preparing for the coming change. For example, AT&T has begun training network engineers on the technology they will need to know and understand.

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Tags: communication networks, network, network function virtualization, networking, nfv, sdn, sdn nfv, software defined networking, software-drive operations, telecom network, telecommunications