Repeater Extends SDN Bridge Domain Without L3 Gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for connecting overlay SDN networks using different solutions require gateways as L3 devices, leading to inconvenience due to the need for protocol changes and inability to combine virtual or physical servers across different solutions within a single bridge domain.
Innovation Solution
A method employing a repeater with an integrated control unit and relay switch that forms tunnels between switches of different overlay SDN networks, allowing packet exchange without L3 gateways, and converting route information to maintain existing bridge domain policies across networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If gateways as L3 devices are used to connect overlay SDN networks using different solutions, then network connectivity between different solutions is achieved, but protocol changes and gateway configuration changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a repeater as an intermediary device that connects overlay SDN networks using different solutions. The repeater includes a relay switch that forwards packets between networks without requiring L3 gateway functions or protocol changes. This intermediary approach allows networks using different solutions (e.g., different virtualization platforms or SDN controllers) to communicate while maintaining their existing configurations and protocols.
2Ease of operation
If bridge domains are extended across different overlay SDN networks, then virtual machines from different networks can communicate directly, but bridge domain policy compatibility becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the bridge domain functionality by implementing it at the repeater level rather than requiring end-to-end bridge domain extension. The repeater maintains separate bridge domain contexts for each connected network while providing L2 forwarding capabilities. This segmentation allows each network to maintain its own bridge domain policies independently while still enabling direct VM communication through the repeater's relay functionality.
3Reliability
If L3 gateways are used for inter-network communication, then routing between different overlay SDN networks is enabled, but packet exchange requires additional routing overhead and protocol conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the L3 gateway function from the network interconnection process and replaces it with L2 switching functionality in the repeater. By removing the L3 routing requirement and using only L2 frame forwarding based on MAC addresses, the system eliminates routing table lookups, protocol conversions, and associated processing delays. This extraction of the gateway function achieves reliable inter-network communication with minimal packet exchange time.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are method for extending a bridge domain of a first overlay SDN network to a second overlay SDN network using a repeater, the method comprising registering a relay switch of repeater as a switch included in first overlay SDN network and second overlay SDN network; generating a tunnel which connects relay switch with switches included in first overlay SDN network; generating a tunnel which connects the relay switch with switches included in second overlay SDN network; receiving route information for being connected to a virtual machine (VM) belonging to first overlay SDN network, from a first SDN control unit of first overlay SDN network; converting route information; and transmitting converted route information to second SDN control unit.