Methods of forming virtual network overlays

摘要

Methods are provided for overlaying a virtual network on a physical network in a data center environment. An overlay system is arranged in an overlay virtual network to include an overlay agent and an overlay helper. The overlay agent is implemented in an access switch. The overlay helper is implemented in an end station that is in communication with the access switch. Overlay parameters in compliance with an in-band protocol are transmitted between the overlay agent and the overlay helper.

主权项

1. A method for overlaying a virtual network on a physical network in a data center environment, comprising:
arranging an overlay system in an overlay virtual network to include an overlay agent and an overlay helper; implementing the overlay agent in an access switch at a first location of the physical network; implementing the overlay helper in at least one end station at a second location of the physical network, the end station including a network interface to the physical network for communicating with the access switch; and transmitting overlay parameters for an overlay encapsulation field in compliance with an in-band protocol between the overlay agent and the overlay helper, the overlay helper configured to output the overlay encapsulation field from the network interface of the end station to the access switch to a destination overlay system, wherein the at least one end station includes at least one virtualized end station and at least one non-virtualized end station that are part of the overlay virtual network.