What is VRF?
VRF or Virtual Routing and Forwarding is a type of technology for computer networks that are IP-based. This technology allows more than one instance of a routing table to exist using the same router and at the same time. The routing instances act independently from each other using the same IP addresses but do not result to an IP conflict. VRF works similarly like a VPN or Virtual Private Networking setup, wherein multiple router instances is possible under only one VPN. This is often the case for some Internet companies or internet service providers that create separate VPNs for external customers using VRF technology.

Because a single router is used for the multiple routing table instances, the process of VRF results to increased functionality. Network pathways can now be divided into segments without the need for adding additional devices or routers. Traffic across a particular network are also segregated automatically through VRF, making the network more safe and secure. This means that administrators do need to need to setup authentication policies or encryption procedures for the data traffic passing through the network.

One basic VRF implementation is called “VRF Lite”. This is said to be the simplest VRF form to implement. The setup involves all the routers in a given network as part of the virtual mode through a peer-based process. VRF Lite specifically works for smaller businesses with shared database centers. A more complex VRF implementation is called “IPVPN”. This setup involves full implementation and allows for multiple customers sharing the network. In this full setup, CE or “customer edge” routers are involved with localized routing activities, while the PE or “provider edge” routers are the ones used for the virtual environment. This setup can allow multiple users to access the common network even if end-to-end data traffic is separated by virtualization means.