Which technology allows for the deployment of network functions on standard servers?

Network Function Virtualization (NFV) is the correct answer because it enables the deployment of network functions on standard servers rather than requiring proprietary hardware. This technology decouples network functions from the underlying hardware by virtualizing them, allowing for more flexible and cost-effective network management.

With NFV, traditional network components like routers, firewalls, and deep packet inspection are transformed into software-based applications that can run on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware. This not only reduces capital and operational expenditures but also enhances scalability and agility in deploying new services.

The other options pertain to different aspects of network management and do not focus specifically on the virtualization of network functions. Orchestration refers to the automated arrangement and management of complex computer systems and services, which is a component of NFV. Self-Organizing Networks (SON) are aimed at optimizing mobile network operation and management, focusing on automation and self-configuration. Centralized RAN (C-RAN) is a specific architecture for radio access networks that centralizes the baseband processing but does not directly relate to the virtualization of network functions in the way NFV does.