To instantiate a VNF, follow the steps listed in this section.

Prerequisites

  • Upload or create a network function.
  • Upload all required images and templates to your vCenter Server instance.

Procedure

  1. Log in to the VMware Telco Cloud Automation web interface.
  2. Select Network Functions > Catalog.
  3. Select the desired VNF and click Instantiate.
    The Create Network Function Instance page is displayed.
  4. In the Inventory Detail tab, enter the following information:
    • Name - Enter a name for your network function instance.
    • Description - Provide a description.
    • Select Cloud - Select a cloud from your network on which to instantiate the network function.
    • Select Compute Profile - Select a compute profile from the drop-down menu.
    • Prefix (Optional) - Enter a prefix. All entities that are created for this VNF are prefixed with this text. Prefixes help in personalizing and identifying the entities of a VNF.
    • Instantiation Level - Select the level of instances to create. The default level is 1.
    • Grant Validation - When you deploy a VNF, Grant validates whether the required images are available on the target system. It also validates whether the required resources such as CPU, memory, and storage capacity are available for a successful deployment. To configure Grant, go to Advanced Settings > Grant Validation and select one of the options:
      • Enable: Run validation and feasibility checks for the target cloud. Fail fast if the validation fails.
      • Disable: Do not run validation or feasibility checks for the target cloud.
  5. Click Next.
  6. In the Network Function Properties tab,
    • For a network function with an external network, click Select External Network and select from the following:
      • Select Existing Network

        You can provide the mapping between connection points and an existing network. VMware Telco Cloud Automation creates and manages the network.

      • Refer From Workflow

        This option is available only for pre-instantiated workflows. You use Refer From Workflow option, to refer to the network not created or managed through VMware Telco Cloud Automation. It uses the network details obtained from the pre-instantiated workflow to create the VM. For details on external network reference, see External Network Referencing.

    • By default, VMware Telco Cloud Automation creates an internal network if you do not create any network. If you want to use an existing internal network, click Edit Internal Network and select from the following:
      • Create a Network

        VMware Telco Cloud Automation creates the internal network.

      • Select Existing Network

        You can provide the mapping between connection points and an existing network.

      • Refer From Workflow

        This option is available only for pre-instantiated workflows. You use Refer From Workflow option, to refer to the network not created or managed through VMware Telco Cloud Automation. It uses the network details obtained from the pre-instantiated workflow to create the VM. For details on external network reference, see External Network Referencing.

  7. Click Next.
  8. The Inputs tab displays the following types of inputs to be provided:
    • The required OVF properties for each VDU within the VNF. Depending on the instantiation level that you have selected, there can be multiple instances deployed for each VDU. Ensure that you enter the correct information for each VDU.
    • The Helm inputs for each Helm chart within a CNF.
    • Any pre-workflows or post-workflows that are defined as a part of the Network Function.
    Provide the appropriate information and click Next.
  9. In the Review tab, review the configuration.
  10. Click Instantiate.

Results

VMware Telco Cloud Automation creates the virtual machines and networks required by your network function on the cloud that you specified. To view a list of all instantiated functions, select Network Functions > Inventory. To track and monitor the progress of the instantiation process, click the Expand icon on the network function and navigate further. When Instantiated is displayed in the State column for a network function, it indicates that the instantiation process is completed successfully and the function is ready to use.

If you no longer want to use an instantiated network function, click the Options (three dots) icon and select Terminate. Then select the network function and click Delete.