This Recommendation provides requirements for virtualization of control network entities (VCN) in NGN evolution. The support of virtualization capabilities in NGN evolution – i.e., the application of virtualization techniques to NGN – enables a virtualized running environment (for control network entities) in NGN evolution.

It is the common understanding that good performances can be achieved in network environments with virtualization of control network entities.

The requirements provided in this Recommendation include the requirements of virtual infrastructures, virtualized network entities, and VCN management systems. These requirements are built upon the virtualization scenarios provided in Appendix I.

Considerations concerning the virtualization of NGN entities are provided in Appendix II.