SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR EXTERNALIZING NETWORK FUNCTIONS VIA PACKET TRUNKING

摘要

The methods and systems described herein provide a mechanism to externalize network functions through a direct link between a network switch and an external packet processor. The network switch is configured to receive a packet directed to a destination node via a first network interface. The network switch is also configured to forward the received packet to a packet processor, via a second network interface, over a direct physical link between the network switch and the packet processor. The packet is forwarded with an identifier for a virtualized network function executing on the packet processor and a destination MAC address of the packet is different from a MAC address of the packet processor.

主权项

1. A network system for externalizing network functions, comprising:
a network switch configured to:
receive a packet via a first network interface, wherein the packet is directed to a destination node other than the network switch;forward the received packet to a packet processor for processing, via a second network interface, over a direct physical link between the network switch and the packet processor, wherein the network switch forwards the packet along with an identifier for a virtualized network function executing on the packet processor, and wherein a destination MAC address of the packet is different from a MAC address of the packet processor;receive from the packet processor the processed packet; andforward the processed packet over a third network interface towards the destination node; and the packet processor configured to:
receive the packet from the network switch;route the received packet to a virtualized network function module based on the identifier included with the packet for processing; andsend the processed packet back to the network switch.