A processor instantiates a virtual network function (VNF) and a probe to monitor at least one metric associated with the VNF. The processor also allocates a pool of ports to the probe. A transceiver establishes one or more first interfaces between the probe and one or more applications using one or more first ports from the pool of ports. Information such as metrics generated by the ports is concurrently exchange between the probe and the applications using the first interfaces. In some cases, a second interface is established between the probe and a monitoring server. The probe reports mission critical events to the applications via the first interfaces and non-mission critical events to the monitoring server via the second interface concurrently with reporting the mission critical events.