Red Hat, in collaboration with Intel, has created a cloud-based onboarding service and testbed for network functions, supporting both virtualized and containerized network functions.

The move is aimed at reflecting realistic networking scenarios and provide a true representation of a standards-based (high volume server hardware and open source software) and replicable platform for cloud native network functions (CNF) and virtual network functions (VNF) deployments, the company said.

This testbed environment will be used to certify real world CNF and VNF configurations, and accelerate their placements. Service providers will benefit from more rigorous accreditation complementary to those associated with Cloud Native and Operator Certifications.

Recognizing the need for a standardized approach, Red Hat and Intel have taken initial methodology and tools developed within OPNFV, and discussed for adoption in Common NFVi Telco Taskforce (CNTT), to create a cloud-based onboarding service in a lab testbed supporting both VNF and CNF environments.

It is designed to help mitigate the risks associated with testing and deploying CNFs as well as transitioning existing operational procedures from VNFs to more agile cloud-native methodologies and models across the open hybrid cloud.

Of particular importance is the ability of the testbed to provide a more rigorous certification in the CNF realm. Partners are encouraged to engage with Red Hat to achieve Container and Operator (C&O) Certification for CNFs as required baseline for partners desiring CNF Certification.