What is network virtualization (NV) designed to achieve?

Network virtualization is intended to combine all available network resources into a unified and manageable form. This process allows different physical devices and network structures (like routers, switches, and firewalls) to be abstracted and pooled together, effectively creating a new logical network on top of the physical hardware. The goal is to optimize resource usage, improve efficiency, and simplify management by enabling a more flexible allocation of network resources.

In practical terms, network virtualization enables multiple virtual networks to run on the same physical infrastructure without interfering with each other. This can lead to better performance, easier scalability, and enhanced resource management. By aggregating all network resources, organizations can respond more effectively to changing demands and achieve greater operational agility.

Other options, while relevant to network operations, do not accurately describe the primary objective of network virtualization. For instance, creating a single point of failure is contrary to the goals of network management, which seeks to build redundancy and resilience. Isolating network functions is more about security measures than resource consolidation, while the deployment of multiple administrative units may describe a facet of network management but not the essential purpose of virtualization itself.