Control Plane Translator for Hybrid Virtual Network Interconnection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Controller-based and protocol-based virtual networks are inherently incompatible due to differences in how reachability and data plane encapsulation information is distributed, preventing seamless interconnection and integration.
Innovation Solution
A control plane translator is used to translate and disseminate reachability information between disparate control planes, and exchange data plane capabilities to negotiate a common data plane protocol, enabling interoperability between controller-based and protocol-based virtual networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If controller-based virtual networking solutions are used, then centralized control and management are achieved, but compatibility with protocol-based solutions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A border gateway is introduced as an intermediary component that connects controller-based and protocol-based virtual networking domains. The border gateway translates between OVSDB protocol (used by controller-based solutions) and BGP protocol (used by protocol-based solutions), enabling interoperability while maintaining the centralized control architecture of controller-based solutions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protocol-based virtual networking solutions are used, then distributed control and protocol standardization are achieved, but integration with controller-based solutions becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The border gateway serves as a protocol translator that simplifies integration by handling the complexity of protocol conversion internally. Protocol-based solutions can maintain their standardized BGP implementation while the border gateway automatically translates to OVSDB for controller-based domain integration, reducing integration complexity for both sides.
3Adaptability or versatility
If hybrid virtual networks are created to enable interoperability, then compatibility between controller-based and protocol-based solutions is improved, but network complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual network is segmented into distinct controller-based domains and protocol-based domains, with border gateways placed at the boundaries. This segmentation allows each domain to operate independently with its native protocol while the border gateways handle translation only at the interfaces, minimizing the complexity impact to specific boundary points rather than the entire network.
4Adaptability or versatility
If reachability information is translated between control planes, then interoperability is enabled, but information loss or distortion may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The border gateway implements bidirectional translation with feedback mechanisms that verify reachability information consistency between controller-based and protocol-based domains. Reachability information is translated from OVSDB to BGP format and vice versa, with the border gateway monitoring and adjusting translations to maintain information accuracy and prevent data loss.
Data Source
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AI summary
In one embodiment a method includes receiving a first message including information regarding a first host connected to a first tunnel endpoint in a first network domain, the received information being encoded in accordance with a control plane protocol of the first network domain; translating the received first message in accordance with an API and/or a database schema of a second network domain; and transmitting the translated first message to the second network domain. The method further includes receiving a second message comprising information regarding a second host connected to a second tunnel endpoint in the second network domain, the received information being encoded in accordance with the API and/or the database schema of the second network domain; translating the second received message in accordance with the control plane protocol of the first network domain; and transmitting the translated second message to the first network domain.