Automatic configuration of virtual network switches

摘要

In general, techniques are described in which a plurality of network switches automatically configure themselves to operate as a single virtual network switch. A virtual switch is a collection of individual switch devices that operate like as single network switch. As described herein, network switches in a network that are capable of participating in a virtual switch may automatically discover one another. The participating network switches may then elect one of the participating switches as a master switch. The master switch may generate forwarding information and store the forwarding information in the participating switches, including the master switch. The forwarding information causes the participating switches to act like a single network switch.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
electing a first layer two (L2) network switch as a master switch for a virtual L2 network switch within a network having a plurality destination devices, each of the destination devices associated with a network address; creating, with the first L2 network switch elected as the master network switch, forwarding information for a second L2 network switch participating in the virtual network switch, wherein the forwarding information maps one or more of the network addresses of the destination devices to network interfaces of the second L2 network switch; and outputting the forwarding information from the first L2 network switch to the second L2 network switch to control switching of L2 network communications by the second L2 network switch.