An integrating framework for efficient NFV monitoring

Abstract

Most challenges associated with Network Functions Virtualisation (NFV) are related to the automated and large-scale deployment of virtualised network functions (VNFs) within an operational infrastructure, as well as their availability and performance. In order to effectively face these challenges, efficient and comprehensive monitoring of NFV services is a critical aspect. This paper discusses the challenges of proper NFV monitoring, focusing on the process of collecting NFV Infrastructure (NFVI) metrics and processing them at Virtualised Infrastructure Management (VIM) level. It also presents an open-source integrating framework for efficient NFV monitoring, developed in the frame of the EU-funded project T-NOVA. The presented framework enables agent-based and agent-less infrastructure monitoring as well as VNF application metrics collection, aggregation, processing and exposure in a lightweight and scalable manner.