Distributed Multicast Logical Router Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current multicast data message implementations in logical networks result in unnecessary replication and increased processing due to the broadcast of messages to all virtual extensible local area network (VXLAN) tunnel endpoints, leading to inefficiencies and resource waste.
Innovation Solution
A distributed multicast logical router system that uses managed forwarding elements (MFEs) to process multicast data messages by querying data compute nodes, generating summarized reports, and populating multicast forwarding tables to efficiently replicate messages only to interested hosts, reducing duplication and processing overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multicast data messages are replicated to all VTEPs in the logical network, then all hosts receive the messages, but unnecessary messages are sent and processed leading to resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multicast message distribution process by introducing a control plane separation. The control VTEP collects multicast group membership information from data VTEPs and generates targeted replication lists, while data VTEPs only process messages intended for their local groups. This segmentation eliminates the need for all VTEPs to receive and process all multicast messages, reducing network resource utilization while maintaining complete message delivery to interested hosts.
2Reliability
If multicast messages are sent to all VTEPs, then no message is lost, but additional processing occurs at each VTEP for unnecessary messages
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a control VTEP as an intermediary between the multicast source and data VTEPs. The control VTEP collects multicast group membership information, determines which data VTEPs should receive specific multicast messages, and generates targeted replication lists. This intermediary function ensures that messages are reliably delivered to all interested hosts while eliminating unnecessary processing at data VTEPs that are not members of the multicast group.
3Loss of energy
If a distributed multicast logical router is implemented, then message replication is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a distributed multicast logical router where each VTEP can function both as a data plane element (forwarding multicast data) and as a control plane element (reporting group membership via IGMP). The control VTEP aggregates membership information from multiple data VTEPs and generates replication lists that are distributed back to the appropriate data VTEPs. This multi-functionality reduces the need for dedicated multicast router hardware while maintaining efficient message replication.
Data Source
AI summary
For a managed network implementing at least one logical router having centralized and distributed components, some embodiments provide a method for configuring a managed forwarding element (MFE) executing on a first host machine to implement a distributed multicast logical router and multiple logical switches logically connected to the logical router in conjunction with a set of additional MFEs executing on additional host machines to process multicast data messages. The method receives a multicast group report from a data compute node (DCN) that executes on the first host, sends a summarized multicast group report indicating multicast groups joined by DCNs executing on the first host to a set of central controllers, receives data based on an aggregated multicast group report from the set of central controllers, and uses the data based on the aggregated multicast group report to configure the MFE to implement the distributed multicast logical router.