Network Virtualization and its two Popular approaches: SDN and NFV

  Network Virtualization   What is a Network and Ways to Virtualize it? A  network  is a group of two or more devices that can communicate. Traditionally, computer networks have used a mix of hardware and software to direct information through router and switch devices. Information passes through a network in  packets , which are broken down pieces of information with smaller file sizes that are then reassembled at destination.  Routers  are responsible for forwarding packets between computers of different networks, whereas  switches  connect computers to the same network. The functions of routers and switches can be virtualized, along with other network devices such as firewalls, load balancers, gateways, and hubs. One of the earliest implementations of network virtualization were  virtual local area networks  (VLANs). VLANs make it possible for devices physically in different geographical locations to appear as if they were in a s...