VXLAN DHCP Relay via VTEP Unicast Forwarding

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the VTEP device acts as a mediator between the DHCP client and the external DHCP server. Instead of broadcasting to all devices, the VTEP intercepts the broadcast request, converts it to a unicast request, and forwards it through the overlay network to the designated DHCP server, which then responds through the same path. This intermediary approach maintains service delivery while eliminating excessive broadcast traffic.

The patent changes the transmission parameter of DHCP requests from broadcast mode to unicast mode. By modifying the destination address parameter in the DHCP request packet and encapsulating it in a VXLAN header with the target VTEP's unicast address, the system transforms the communication pattern from one-to-all to one-to-one, thereby reducing broadcast traffic while maintaining reliable DHCP service delivery.

The VTEP device serves as a secure intermediary that controls and manages DHCP request forwarding. By intercepting broadcast requests and converting them to directed unicast requests to specific DHCP servers, the VTEP ensures that only authorized devices receive DHCP traffic. This intermediary mechanism maintains universal DHCP service coverage while eliminating security risks associated with broad broadcast exposure.

The patent extracts the DHCP relay functionality from the traditional broadcast mechanism and implements it as a separate, controlled unicast forwarding process. By taking out the broadcast nature of DHCP requests and replacing it with targeted unicast forwarding through the overlay network, the system maintains service coverage across all hosts while removing the security vulnerability of exposing requests to all VTEP devices.