Software Defined Networks, Virtual Network Functions, and Cloud-native Network Functions

Keywords:
Computer Networks, Software Defined Network (SDN), Virtual Network Function (VNF), Cloud-Native Network Function (CNF), Software.

Abstract:
The development of computer networks is a very dynamic process tackling perpetually increased needs and emerging applications. To transition from legacy computer networks with hardware infrastructure to software-based and service-oriented networks, technologies such as Software Defined Network (SDN) and Network Functions Virtualization (NFV) are implemented. SDN and NFV are key technologies for 5G, edge computing and Internet of Things (IoT). Both enable flexibility and lower costs through the virtualization of network functions (e.g. routers, firewalls, gateways, load balancers) on standard hardware, as well as centralized network management through software. New solutions are emerging, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence (AI) integration, network slicing for specific uses, and automation to reduce both complexity and costs. Virtual Network Function (VNF) and Cloud-Native Network Function (CNF) are essential concepts in contemporary digital communications and telecommunication systems. VNF virtualizes network functions, decouples software from hardware, in order to achieve flexibility and uses Network Functions Virtualization - Management and Orchestration (NFV-MANO) framework for orchestration. Virtualized routers, load balancers, directory services, firewalls, wide area network (WAN) optimization, and network address translation (NAT) services are typical VNFs. CNF is an innovative approach to networking, which simplifies and scales networking functions utilizing the cloud. CNFs offer improvements that include lightweight containers for more agility, microservices, faster scaling and efficiency, using cloud-native principles for dynamic orchestration and better resource utilization. The core differences between these two are in routing packets and architecture; VNFs virtualize hardware with Virtual Machines (VMs), whereas CNFs use containers and cloud-native design for modularity and resilience.

CITATION:

IEEE format

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D. Kreculj, �. Dihovični, N. Ratković Kovačević, M. Jović, D. Milovanović, “Software Defined Networks, Virtual Network Functions, and Cloud-native Network Functions,” in Sinteza 2025 - International Scientific Conference on Information Technology, Computer Science, and Data Science, Belgrade, Singidunum University, Serbia, 2026, pp. 68-73. doi:10.15308/Sinteza-2026-68-73

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Kreculj, D., Dihovični, �., Ratković Kovačević, N., Jović, M., Milovanović, D. (2026). Software Defined Networks, Virtual Network Functions, and Cloud-native Network Functions. Paper presented at Sinteza 2025 - International Scientific Conference on Information Technology, Computer Science, and Data Science. doi:10.15308/Sinteza-2026-68-73

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