Method and system for virtual machine networking

摘要

Aspects of a method and system for networking are provided. In this regard, one or more circuits and/or processors in a network adapter of a first network device may determine whether to communicate traffic between virtual machines running on the first network device via a path that resides solely within the first network device, or via a path that comprises a second network device that is external to the first network device. The determination may be based, at least in part, on characteristics of the traffic. The determination may be based, at least in part, on capabilities and/or available resources of the network adapter. The determination may be based, at least in part, on management information exchanged between the one or more circuits and/or processors and one or more of: software running on the first network device, the second network device, and a third network device.

主权项

1. A system for networking, comprising:
a first network device including a network adapter and a plurality of virtual machines running on the first network device; and a second network device external to the first network device, wherein the first network device transmits first management information to the second network device, the second network device, after reception of the first management information from the first network device, receives second management information from a network management entity external to both the first network device and the second network device, the first network device receives the second management information from the second network device, and the network adapter determines, based on the first management information and the received second management information, whether to communicate traffic, between a transmitting virtual machine of the plurality of virtual machines and each of a plurality of receiving virtual machines of the plurality of virtual machines, via an internal path that resides solely within the first network device, or via an external path including the second network device.