Network Function Virtualization

Advanced Networking
VNFQEMUOpenStack NeutronHAProxy

Objective

Hands-on practice with network function virtualization in a network lab environment.

Tools & Technologies

  • VNF
  • QEMU
  • OpenStack Neutron
  • HAProxy

Key Commands

virt-install --name vnf-fw
haproxy -f /etc/haproxy/haproxy.cfg
ip netns add ns1
ip netns exec ns1 ping 8.8.8.8

Lab Steps

01
NFV Concepts

Understand how physical network appliances are replaced with software VNFs.

02
Network Namespaces

Create isolated network stacks using Linux network namespaces.

03
Virtual Firewall

Deploy a software firewall VNF using iptables inside a VM.

04
Load Balancer VNF

Configure HAProxy as a virtual load balancer function.

Challenges Encountered

  • Network namespace isolation can cause routing confusion
  • VNF chaining requires careful interface assignment

Key Takeaways

  • NFV reduces hardware dependency and enables rapid service provisioning
  • Linux network namespaces are the foundation of container networking