Distributed L2 Virtual Switching With Storm Control in Cloud Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing virtualized cloud environments lack effective Layer 2 networking functionality, limiting their functionality and value.
Innovation Solution
Implementing an infinitely scalable distributed switch that emulates a single switch connecting compute instances, providing Layer 2 VLANs with support for network services like storm control, using network virtualization devices to host Layer 2 virtual network interface cards and local switches.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If Layer 2 networking functionality is added to virtualized cloud environments, then network functionality and value are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments Layer 2 networking functionality into distributed switch components that are distributed across multiple network virtualization devices. Each NVD hosts local switches and Layer 2 virtual network interface cards, dividing the overall switching function into manageable segments that can operate independently while collectively providing complete Layer 2 networking capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional centralized Layer 2 switching to a distributed architecture across multiple NVDs, adding a spatial dimension to the switching fabric. This dimensional change allows the system to scale Layer 2 functionality across multiple devices while maintaining the appearance of a single logical switch to end users.
2Ease of operation
If an emulated single switch is implemented across multiple hosts, then network management is simplified, but scalability requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple physical switches distributed across different hosts into a single logical switch entity. The distributed switch components on various NVDs work together to provide unified Layer 2 networking, allowing network management to treat the entire distributed system as one switch while actually leveraging multiple physical devices for scalability.
Solution Approach 2:
The distributed switch architecture provides universal Layer 2 switching functionality across the entire cloud environment, enabling the same switching capabilities to be available regardless of which host or NVD the compute instances are running on. This multi-functional approach allows a single logical switch to serve multiple purposes across the distributed infrastructure.
3Reliability
If storm control is implemented in Layer 2 VLANs, then network resilience is improved, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The distributed switch components automatically detect and respond to storm conditions without requiring centralized control or manual intervention. Each local switch monitors its own ports and autonomously applies storm control policies, allowing the system to self-manage network resilience while distributing the processing load across multiple devices rather than concentrating it in a single point.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for communications in an L2 virtual network. In an example, the L2 virtual network includes a plurality of L2 compute instances hosted on a set of host machines and a plurality of L2 virtual network interfaces and L2 virtual switches hosted on a set of network virtualization devices. An L2 virtual network interface emulates an L2 port of the L2 virtual network. Storm control information applicable to the L2 port is sent to a network virtualization device that hosts the L2 virtual network interface.