Reliable virtualized network function system for a cloud computing system

A method for providing a reliable virtualized network function (rVNF) system for a cloud computing system, comprising:

• providing a virtualized network function (VNF) application instance that comprises a plurality of physical VNF instances;
• providing an interface between a client and the VNF application instance;
• facilitating delivery of packets related to a particular user context to the same physical VNF instance;
• implementing a virtualized transport protocol that shares states and functionality across different physical VNF instances;
• and
• storing session data associated with the VNF application instance.

A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, when executed, cause one or more processors to:

• provide a virtualized network function (VNF) application instance that comprises a plurality of physical VNF instances;
• provide an interface between a client and the VNF application instance;
• facilitate delivery of packets related to a particular user context to the same physical VNF instance;
• implement a virtualized transport protocol that shares states and functionality across different physical VNF instances;
• and
• store session data associated with the VNF application instance.