VXLAN Packet Forwarding via Segmented Identifiers
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Solution Overview
Problem
In VXLAN multi-tenant systems, conventional solutions require explicit VLANs for each VXLAN segment, limiting scalability and necessitating a large number of VLANs, which restricts the use of VLANs for other applications and underlay connections.
Innovation Solution
An Information Handling System with a processing system that generates and includes packet forwarding identifiers within data packets to enable accurate forwarding between networking devices, allowing the system to determine the appropriate VXLAN segment and host device without relying on explicit VLANs, thereby scaling beyond traditional VLAN limitations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If explicit VLANs are used for each VXLAN segment, then packet forwarding between networking devices can be achieved, but the number of VLANs required becomes excessively large (up to 16 million), limiting scalability and restricting VLAN availability for other applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the VXLAN identifier (24-bit value) into two separate 12-bit packet forwarding identifiers. This segmentation allows the networking device to forward packets based on the first packet forwarding identifier without requiring a unique VLAN for each VXLAN segment, thereby reducing the total number of VLANs needed while maintaining accurate packet forwarding capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension for packet forwarding by using packet forwarding identifiers that are derived from but independent of the traditional VLAN identifier space. This dimensional shift allows the system to address up to 16 million VXLAN segments without requiring 16 million VLANs, as the forwarding decision is made in a separate identifier space
2Adaptability or versatility
If a large number of VLANs are allocated for VXLAN segments, then all VXLAN segments can be addressed, but the scalability of the network is limited by the VLAN identifier space and configuration complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the VXLAN identifier into two separate packet forwarding identifiers, the patent enables the network to support up to 16 million VXLAN segments (2^24) without requiring an equivalent number of VLANs. The first 12-bit identifier handles forwarding decisions, while the second 12-bit identifier provides additional segmentation capability, thereby scaling beyond traditional VLAN limitations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the forwarding parameter from traditional VLAN identifiers to packet forwarding identifiers that are derived from the VXLAN identifier. This parameter change allows the system to scale to 16 million VXLAN segments while keeping the actual VLAN count manageable, as the packet forwarding identifiers provide the necessary discrimination without requiring a one-to-one mapping to VLANs
3Ease of manufacture
If common VLANs are shared across multiple VXLAN segments, then VLAN resources are utilized efficiently, but networking devices cannot determine which specific VXLAN segment a packet belongs to for accurate forwarding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the identification function into two parts: the first packet forwarding identifier (12 bits) is used for forwarding decisions and can be shared across multiple VXLAN segments, while the second packet forwarding identifier (12 bits) provides additional discrimination. This segmentation allows common VLANs to be shared efficiently while maintaining the ability to identify and forward to the specific VXLAN segment through the combined use of both identifiers
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces packet forwarding identifiers as an intermediary mechanism between the common VLAN and the specific VXLAN segment. The first packet forwarding identifier serves as a mediator that enables forwarding based on shared VLAN resources, while the second identifier resolves the ambiguity to identify the specific VXLAN segment, thereby maintaining both resource efficiency and identification accuracy
Data Source
AI summary
A VXLAN multi-tenant inter-networking device packet forwarding system includes a first aggregated networking device coupled to a first host device and a second aggregated networking device that is coupled to second host devices. The first aggregated networking device receives a data packet from the first host device and, in response, identifies a virtual network associated with the first host device. Based on a first and second portion of a virtual network identifier that identifies the virtual network, the first aggregated networking device generates respective first and second packet forwarding identifiers. The first aggregated networking device then provides the first and second packet forwarding identifiers in the data packet, and forwards the data packet to the second aggregated networking device. The second aggregated networking device may then forward the data packet to one of the second host devices based on the first and second packet forwarding identifiers in the data packet.