NFV essentially removes network functions from boxes located everywhere, and replaces them with pieces of software that operate where and as needed within the cloud network. Where networking devices were once purchased with particular features and capabilities, now these capabilities are essentially invoked by software, and modified as needed using standard off the shelf hardware, changing the functionality of the device based on the networking tasks required, i.e. mesh or star, shared or dedicated, router or firewall, etc.

See also: NFV