Abstract: A virtual network function includes network interface via a single client network interface coupled to a network functions infrastructure. The network interface is provided using a virtual network function abstraction layer in the form of an implementation of a virtual network function in a virtual machine nested within a second virtual machine having a virtual switch. Routing between any number of ports on the virtual network function and a single network interface is enabled by providing a virtual interface in the switch mapped to each network interface needed by the virtual network function. Data from a client network via the network interface for the infrastructure is routed to the proper virtual network function interface in the virtual switch.

Abstract: A packet forwarding method that includes receiving a packet from a traffic classifier at a host that comprises a virtual machine (VM), and a first hypervisor for the host that provides a first set of routing instructions that provides routing instruction to forward the packet to a port of the VM, and wherein the VM comprises a plurality of virtual network functions (VNFs), and a second hypervisor for the VM that provides a second set of routing instructions that provides routing instructions to forward the packet to the plurality of VNFs based on an input, processing, by the host, the packet using the plurality of VNFs in accordance with the first set of routing instructions and the second set of routing instructions, and forwarding, by the host, the processed packet to a network device.

Abstract: A packet forwarding method that includes receiving a packet from a traffic classifier at a host that comprises a virtual machine (VM), and a first hypervisor for the host that provides a first set of routing instructions that provides routing instruction to forward the packet to a port of the VM, and wherein the VM comprises a plurality of virtual network functions (VNFs), and a second hypervisor for the VM that provides a second set of routing instructions that provides routing instructions to forward the packet to the plurality of VNFs based on an input, processing, by the host, the packet using the plurality of VNFs in accordance with the first set of routing instructions and the second set of routing instructions, and forwarding, by the host, the processed packet to a network device.

Abstract: A virtual network function includes network interface via a single client network interface coupled to a network functions infrastructure. The network interface is provided using a virtual network function abstraction layer in the form of an implementation of a virtual network function in a virtual machine nested within a second virtual machine having a virtual switch. Routing between any number of ports on the virtual network function and a single network interface is enabled by providing a virtual interface in the switch mapped to each network interface needed by the virtual network function. Data from a client network via the network interface for the infrastructure is routed to the proper virtual network function interface in the virtual switch.