VXLAN Control Plane Hierarchy for MAC-to-VTEP Mapping Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
In virtual extensible local area networks (VXLAN), the lack of MAC-to-VTEP mappings can lead to inefficient data transmission, as packets are often flooded via IP multicast, resulting in unnecessary delivery to multiple VTEPs, increasing network costs and reducing performance.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a VXLAN Control Plane (VCP) hierarchy with Open vSwitch Database (OVSDB) management protocol to distribute VXLAN information, allowing database clients and servers to receive and disseminate MAC-to-VTEP mappings hierarchically, reducing the need for IP multicast and enhancing network efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If IP multicast flooding is used to distribute MAC-to-VTEP mappings, then all VTEPs can potentially receive the mapping information, but unnecessary data transmission occurs to VTEPs that do not need the information, increasing network costs and reducing performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VTEP population into groups based on their need for specific MAC-to-VTEP mappings. Instead of flooding all VTEPs with all mapping information, the system divides VTEPs into segments that receive only the mappings relevant to their specific needs, thereby reducing unnecessary bandwidth consumption while maintaining reliable distribution to those who require the information.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary control plane component that sits between the mapping source and VTEPs. This intermediary receives MAC-to-VTEP mappings, determines which VTEPs need which mappings, and selectively distributes them accordingly. This mediator eliminates the need for broad multicast flooding by intelligently routing only necessary information to appropriate VTEPs, reducing network bandwidth consumption while ensuring reliable delivery.
2Loss of information
If IP multicast flooding is used for MAC-to-VTEP mapping distribution, then mapping information reaches all VTEPs, but the quantity of data transmitted increases unnecessarily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different amounts and types of mapping information to different VTEPs based on their specific needs. Each VTEP receives a customized subset of the total mapping information rather than a uniform flood of all mappings. This ensures that each VTEP gets complete information for its specific requirements while avoiding unnecessary data transmission to others.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by distributing only the necessary portion of MAC-to-VTEP mapping information to each VTEP rather than providing complete information to all VTEPs. Each VTEP receives exactly the mappings it needs for its specific traffic patterns and connectivity requirements, eliminating excessive data transmission while ensuring information completeness for each recipient's needs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If centralized multicast tree creation is implemented, then multicast service is provided within virtual network, but the device complexity increases due to virtual network controller requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the virtual network controller to perform multiple functions: it creates multicast trees, distributes MAC-to-VTEP mappings, manages VTEP configurations, and coordinates information distribution. By consolidating these diverse functions into a single multi-functional controller, the system enables multicast service capability while managing complexity through functional integration rather than proliferation of separate components.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for distributing VXLAN information that includes receiving, from a first leaf network device (104A-104D) and by a first intermediate network device (106A-106B), first VXLAN information associated with a first computing device (102A, 102C, 102E, 102G). The first leaf network device (104A-104D) is connected to the first computing device (102A, 102C, 102E, 102G) and includes a first database server. The first intermediate network device (106A-106B) includes a first database client and a second database server. The method also includes storing the first VXLAN information in a first database entry on the first intermediate network device (106A-106B); sending, by a second database server, a first copy of the first database entry to a higher-tier network device, and sending, by the first database client, a second copy of the first database entry to a third database server. The third database server is executing on a second leaf network device (104A-104D).