Interoperability between data plane learning endpoints and control plane learning endpoints in overlay networks
First Claim
1. A method for managing network traffic in an overlay network environment, the method comprising:
- receiving a plurality of network packets in an overlay network from a plurality of endpoints including a first endpoint and a second endpoint, the overlay network configured to extend Layer 2 network traffic over a Layer 3 network and operate with a plurality of learning modes;
designating the first endpoint as a data plane learning endpoint and the second endpoint as a control plane learning endpoint to yield a plurality of designations;
tracking the plurality of designations via an endpoint identification table;
operating in a data plane learning mode when a network packet of the plurality of network packets is received from the data plane learning endpoint based on the endpoint identification table, the data plane learning mode allowing Layer 2 learning so the network packet is processed based on outer header information and inner header information, the operating in the data plane learning mode including use of the data plane learning mode when communicating with hosts behind the data plane learning endpoint; and
operating in a control plane learning mode when the network packet is received from the control plane learning endpoint based on the endpoint identification table, the control plane learning mode disabling the Layer 2 learning so the network packet is processed based on the inner header information, the operating in the control plane learning mode including use of the control plane learning mode when communicating with other hosts behind the control plane learning endpoint.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and a method are disclosed for enabling interoperability between data plane learning endpoints and control plane learning endpoints in an overlay network environment. An exemplary method for managing network traffic in the overlay network environment includes receiving network packets in an overlay network from data plane learning endpoints and control plane learning endpoints, wherein the overlay network extends Layer 2 network traffic over a Layer 3 network; operating in a data plane learning mode when a network packet is received from a data plane learning endpoint; and operating in a control plane learning mode when the network packet is received from a control plane learning endpoint. Where the overlay network includes more than one overlay segment, the method further includes operating as an anchor node for routing inter-overlay segment traffic to and from hosts that operate behind the data plane learning endpoints.
168 Citations
20 Claims
-
1. A method for managing network traffic in an overlay network environment, the method comprising:
-
receiving a plurality of network packets in an overlay network from a plurality of endpoints including a first endpoint and a second endpoint, the overlay network configured to extend Layer 2 network traffic over a Layer 3 network and operate with a plurality of learning modes; designating the first endpoint as a data plane learning endpoint and the second endpoint as a control plane learning endpoint to yield a plurality of designations; tracking the plurality of designations via an endpoint identification table; operating in a data plane learning mode when a network packet of the plurality of network packets is received from the data plane learning endpoint based on the endpoint identification table, the data plane learning mode allowing Layer 2 learning so the network packet is processed based on outer header information and inner header information, the operating in the data plane learning mode including use of the data plane learning mode when communicating with hosts behind the data plane learning endpoint; and operating in a control plane learning mode when the network packet is received from the control plane learning endpoint based on the endpoint identification table, the control plane learning mode disabling the Layer 2 learning so the network packet is processed based on the inner header information, the operating in the control plane learning mode including use of the control plane learning mode when communicating with other hosts behind the control plane learning endpoint. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
-
-
13. A non-transitory media encoded with logic that includes code for execution, and when executed by a processor, is operable to perform operations comprising:
-
receiving a plurality of network packets in an overlay network from a plurality of endpoints including a first endpoint and a second endpoint, the overlay network configured to extend Layer 2 network traffic over a Layer 3 network and operate with a plurality of learning modes; designating the first endpoint as a data plane learning endpoint and the second endpoint as a control plane learning endpoint to yield a plurality of designations; tracking the plurality of designations via an endpoint identification table; operating in a data plane learning mode when a network packet of the plurality of network packets is received from the data plane learning endpoint based on the endpoint identification table, the data plane learning mode allowing Layer 2 learning so the network packet is processed based on outer header information, the operating in the data plane learning mode including use of the data plane learning mode when communicating with hosts behind the data plane learning endpoint; operating in a control plane learning mode when the network packet is received from the control plane learning endpoint based on the endpoint identification table, the operating in the control plane learning mode including use of the control plane learning mode when communicating with other hosts behind the control plane learning endpoint; and disabling the Layer 2 learning, when operating in the control plane learning mode, so the network packet is processed based on inner header information. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16)
-
-
17. A system comprising:
-
a memory element for storing data; and a processor operable to execute instructions associated with the data, wherein the processor and the memory element cooperate such that the system is configured for; receiving a plurality of network packets in an overlay network from a plurality of endpoints including a first endpoint and a second endpoint, the overlay network configured to extend Layer 2 network traffic over a Layer 3 network and operate with a plurality of learning modes; designating the first endpoint as a data plane learning endpoint and the second endpoint as a control plane learning endpoint to yield a plurality of designations; tracking the plurality of designations via an endpoint identification table; operating in a data plane learning mode when a network packet of the plurality of network packets is received from the data plane learning endpoint based on the endpoint identification table, the data plane learning mode allowing Layer 2 learning so the network packet is processed based on outer header information, the operating in the data plane learning mode including use of the data plane learning mode when communicating with hosts behind the data plane learning endpoint; operating in a control plane learning mode when the network packet is received from the control plane learning endpoint based on the endpoint identification table, the operating in the control plane learning mode including use of the control plane learning mode when communicating with other hosts behind the control plane learning endpoint; and disabling the Layer 2 learning, when operating in the control plane learning mode, so the network packet is processed based on inner header information. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20)
-
Specification