*2.6.4 Benefits*

While NFV can benefit enterprises, service providers have a more immediate use case for it. Many see NFV's potential to improve scalability and better utilize network resources. If a customer requests a new function, for example, NFV enables the service provider to add the said function by configuring it in a virtual machine without upgrading or buying new hardware.

**Figure 6.** *Components of NFV architecture.*

Basic NFV benefits also include reduced power consumption and increased the amiable physical space, since NFV eliminates the need for specific hardware appliances. NFV can then help reduce both operational and capital expenditures.
