True Cloud-Native Network Functions for Service Providers
In today’s highly complex network environments, service providers struggle with escalating costs, limited scalability, and security threats that hinder operational efficiency and user experiences. As they modernize their network functions virtualization (NFV) architecture and monolithic virtual network functions (VNFs) with flexible and agile cloud-native network functions (CNFs) that underlie the latest 5G core mobile network architecture, they’re looking for modern cloud-native networks to optimize their infrastructure, reduce costs, and ensure agility and scalability.
Available now, F5 BIG-IP Cloud-Native Network Functions (CNF) 2.0 is built on true cloud-native architecture, delivering scalable, efficient, and secure solutions that reduce costs for modern operations. Instead of using virtualized solutions disguised as cloud-native applications, F5 BIG-IP Next CNFs consolidate critical functions such as firewall, DNS, CGNAT, Disaggregation (DAG), and traffic optimization into a unified platform. With Kubernetes-native automation, secure API-based container communication, and independent data/control plane scalability, it reduces resource overhead, simplifies operations, and delivers robust performance at scale, empowering providers to adapt, mitigate threats, and grow with confidence.
True cloud-native operations
Architected from the ground up to be truly cloud-native, BIG-IP Next CNF 2.0 provides a container-based architecture that leverages the full benefits of Kubernetes. With individual components that are self-contained and scalable, secure API communications ensure seamless interaction across containers for improved reliability, reduced failure domains, and simplified management. Independent scaling of the data plane and control plane offers the required agility and operational flexibility service providers demand. Kubernetes-native management simplifies automation, reduces overhead, and drives significant cost savings.
Scalability, performance, and cost optimization
BIG-IP Next CNF 2.0 delivers optimized scalability and performance through advanced traffic handling capabilities, consolidated subscriber services, and intelligent global server load balancing. With features like DAG for efficient traffic steering, fast DNS server capabilities for high-speed responses, and traffic optimization that reduces latency and congestion, BIG-IP Next CNF 2.0 ensures infrastructure stability while lowering operational complexity. True cloud-native functionality creates significant CapEx and OpEx savings, while making it easier for service providers to scale their networks and deliver superior customer experiences.
Advanced security and intelligence
BIG-IP Next CNF 2.0 prioritizes robust security and intelligent traffic control to ensure a safe and efficient network environment. With enhanced DDoS mitigation, IP intelligence, CGNAT, and deep packet inspection, these solutions deliver advanced capabilities that safeguard critical infrastructure. Granular traffic management ensures resource-conscious policies, enabling service providers to minimize risk, enforce controls, and monetize services effectively.
Working within Kubernetes ecosystems
BIG-IP Next CNFs are designed to work more seamlessly with any Kubernetes environment. Many service providers have chosen Red Hat OpenShift, an industry standard for managing Kubernetes environments and deploying scalable cloud-native applications. With BIG-IP Next CNF 2.0 running on Red Hat OpenShift, service providers can scale their applications more efficiently while unlocking additional value, including advanced traffic handling, optimized security, and simplified usability.
Built for future growth
BIG-IP Next CNF 2.0 delivers an extensible cloud-native approach to help service providers and large enterprises to achieve robust scalability, resource efficiency, and security for their networks. True cloud-native services within a standard architecture are critical to realizing the benefits of today’s complex application landscape, while positioning service providers for future growth.
Click here to learn more about BIG-IP Next CNF 2.0 and F5’s cloud-native strategy.