F5's BIG-IP Next Cloud-Native Network Functions are designed to provide scalable, secure, and efficient network services within Kubernetes environments. These CNFs enable service providers and enterprises to optimize their networks, reduce operational costs, and seamlessly scale to meet the demands of high-bandwidth applications, including AI workloads. By integrating essential network functions into a cloud-native architecture, BIG-IP Next CNFs facilitate the transition to modern, decentralized infrastructures. Key Features and Functionality: - Disaggregation : Enables horizontal scalability for dynamic traffic steering and resource optimization, ensuring efficient routing across CNF pods. - Accelerated DNS: Provides high-speed DNS query responses with caching and secure zone transfers, reducing latency and improving performance. - Unified Security Services: Combines firewall, DDoS mitigation, Intrusion Prevention System , and Carrier-Grade NAT functionalities for centralized management and robust protection. - Policy Enforcer: Integrates traffic optimization features such as video acceleration, URL filtering, and context-aware controls to enhance Quality of Experience and Average Revenue Per User . - Kubernetes-Native Automation: Utilizes Kubernetes-native APIs and Custom Resource Definitions for streamlined deployment, configuration, and management of network functions. Primary Value and Problem Solved: BIG-IP Next CNFs address the challenges faced by service providers and enterprises in managing complex, distributed network architectures. By consolidating critical network functions into a cloud-native framework, these CNFs reduce resource consumption, lower operational costs, and enhance scalability. The solution's independent scalability—allowing separate data and control plane scaling—ensures flexibility without bottlenecks, while its edge-ready and power-efficient architecture guarantees low latency and superior user experiences. Integrated security measures protect against large-scale network attacks, and Kubernetes-native automation streamlines workflows with API-driven deployments for faster, simplified operations.