Friday 23 February 2018

VXLAN Part I. Why do we need VXLAN?

Introduction


This section examines the challenges that virtualization of servers causes for Datacenter networks with traditional three-layer architecture and how VXLAN can respond to these challenges. At the end of this article, you can find a mindmap for memory builder.

Challenges for existing Datacenter networks
Figure 1-1 shows a hypothetical 3-tier Cloud Service Provider DC network consisting of the following components.

  • Access layer (L2): Twenty of the 48-port switches. Access - Distribution links 2 x 10Gbps MEC (Multichassis EtherChannel).
  • Distribution layer (L2 / L3): Two distribution switches, which together form a virtualized switch. The default gateway for server segments is in distribution switches. Distribution - Core Links are L3.
  • Core Layer (L3): Two Core switches



Figure 1-1: The hypothetical Cloud SP Datacenter network.