Network system, controller, and flow control method

摘要

A network system is provided. The network system includes a server, a switch connected to a server, and a controller controlling the functions of the server and the switch. The server includes a processor and a network adapter connected to a processor. The network adapter processes packets of each flow in accordance with a filter table. The processor includes a virtual machine and a virtual switch which relays packets transmitted and received by the virtual machine to and from an external entity. The network adapter has an offloading function which exchanges packets with the virtual machine without using the virtual switch. In a tunneling process, the switch exchanges packets with the virtual machine through a tunneling-dedicated port, and the network adapter forwards the packets between the switch and the virtual machine without referring to the filter table. The controller dynamically controls enabling/disenabling of the tunneling process for each flow.

主权项

1. A network system, comprising:
a server; a switch connected to said server; and a controller which controls functions of said server and said switch, wherein said server includes:
a processor; anda network adapter connected to said processor and adapted to handle packets for each flow in accordance with a filter table, wherein said processor includes:
a virtual machine; anda virtual switch which relays packets transmitted and received by the virtual machine to and from an external entity, wherein said network adapter has an offloading function which exchanges packets with the virtual machine without using the virtual switch, wherein, in a tunneling process, said switch exchanges packets with said virtual machine through a tunneling-dedicated port and without passing through said virtual switch, and said network adapter forwards the packets between said switch and the virtual machine without referring to the filter table, and wherein said controller dynamically controls enabling/disenabling of said tunneling process for each flow.