Authors: Pooja Sharma
Abstract: Network virtualization has emerged as a transformative technology in modern networking by enabling the abstraction of physical network resources into flexible, scalable, and programmable virtual networks. It allows multiple virtual networks to coexist on a shared physical infrastructure, improving resource utilization, isolation, and management efficiency. This review explores key network virtualization technologies, including Software-Defined Networking (SDN), Network Function Virtualization (NFV), and virtual overlay networks. It examines how these technologies decouple network control from hardware, enabling dynamic configuration, automated provisioning, and improved scalability in cloud and data center environments. The study also discusses the role of network virtualization in supporting cloud computing, IoT, and 5G networks. Furthermore, it highlights critical challenges such as performance overhead, security concerns, interoperability issues, and orchestration complexity. Emerging trends such as intent-based networking, edge virtualization, and AI-driven network management are also analyzed. The findings emphasize that network virtualization significantly enhances flexibility, efficiency, and scalability in modern network infrastructures.
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