ETSI ISG NFV Release 4 introduces new work items to evolve the NFV framework for container-based VNF deployment, service-based architecture design, and autonomous management enablers. The release aims to simplify network operations through enhanced automation and updated management interfaces for OS containers and cluster nodes while maintaining Release 2 specifications for protocol and data model interoperability. Concurrently, Release 3 features remain frozen with ongoing development of supporting protocols to ensure continuous bug fixes and industry feedback integration. These updates collectively address cloudification trends to better support current and future network generations for operators and function providers.
Keywords: NFV-MANO, service-based architecture, container-based VNF, autonomous management, network cloudification