Network Manager Maps Generic Physical Identifier to Datacenter L2 Bridges
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current bridging techniques are limited to connecting logical L2 networks within a single datacenter, and there is a need for a method to bridge logical L2 networks across multiple datacenters with physical L2 networks, while managing potential traffic loops and undesired connectivity between datacenters.
Innovation Solution
A system where a network manager configures a bridge between a logical L2 network and a physical L2 network by selecting a managed forwarding element in each datacenter, using a 3-tuple including logical network, physical network, and datacenter identifiers, and employing a generic physical network identifier to map to specific networks across datacenters, with mechanisms to prevent traffic loops by using an available field in the tunnel encapsulation header.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If bridging is used to connect logical L2 networks across multiple datacenters, then network connectivity and failover capabilities are improved, but traffic loops and undesired connectivity between datacenters may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-datacenter network into individual datacenter contexts by using datacenter identifiers. Each datacenter's bridging operations are isolated and controlled independently, preventing traffic from forming loops across datacenter boundaries while maintaining connectivity within each datacenter.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the datacenter identifier field in bridge configuration) that mediates between the need for multi-datacenter connectivity and the need to prevent undesired traffic flow. This intermediary enables selective bridging by acting as a filter that allows legitimate cross-datacenter traffic while blocking potential loop-forming traffic.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a generic physical network identifier is used to map to different specific physical L2 networks at different datacenters, then adaptability and ease of configuration are improved, but complexity in managing datacenter-specific mappings increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by using a single generic physical network identifier that serves multiple functions across different datacenters. This identifier can map to different specific physical L2 networks depending on the datacenter context, eliminating the need for separate configuration schemes for each datacenter while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing the same generic physical network identifier to have different local meanings (mappings to specific physical networks) in different datacenters. Each datacenter maintains its own mapping table, enabling localized adaptation without affecting other datacenters.
3Reliability
If bridges are implemented in multiple datacenters simultaneously, then failover capabilities and active-active configurations are improved, but the risk of traffic loops and network instability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments bridging operations by datacenter using datacenter identifiers, creating isolated bridging contexts in each datacenter. This segmentation allows multiple datacenters to run bridges simultaneously for failover and active-active configurations while preventing traffic from circulating across datacenter boundaries, thereby maintaining network stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through network managers that monitor bridge operations and traffic patterns across datacenters. When potential loop conditions or instability are detected, the system can adjust or disable specific bridge configurations, enabling reliable multi-datacenter bridging while maintaining stability.
Data Source
AI summary
Some embodiments provide a method for a network manager that manages multiple managed forwarding elements at a particular datacenter. The method receives a configuration for a bridge between a logical L2 network that spans at least two datacenters and physical L2 networks at one or more of the spanned datacenters. The configuration includes a generic physical network identifier. The method maps the generic physical network identifier to a particular physical L2 network at the particular datacenter. The generic physical network identifier maps to other physical networks at other spanned datacenters. The method provides the configuration to a set of central controllers using an identifier for the particular physical L2 network. The set of central controllers configures a managed forwarding element operating at the particular datacenter to implement the bridge to bridge packets between the logical L2 network and the particular physical L2 network.