How to Get Started with Network VirtualizationWhy it matters, how it will affect you, and some key technologies to know
Scott Lowe, VCDX 39vExpert, Author, Blogger, Geek
http://blog.scottlowe.org / Twitter: @scott_lowe
Before we start
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Your name is familiar...
•What is network virtualization?•How is it similar to compute virtualization?•Why does network virtualization matter to me?•How does network virtualization change my job?•How does network virtualization affect my networking group?•What are some key technologies I should know?•What are the key components of network virtualization?
Agenda
“If you can’t explain it simply, youdon’t understand it well enough.”
- Albert Einstein
•A combination of technologies to support the creation of virtual (or logical) networks
•A virtual network is a network that can be created, modified, and destroyed without any interaction with physical network assets
•Network virtualization:•Decouples virtual networks from physical networks•Reproduces the physical network faithfully in the virtual network
•Automates the creation of virtual networks programmatically
What is network virtualization?
What is network virtualization?
Physical Infrastructure
Compute Virtualization Abstraction Layer
Network Virtualization Abstraction Layer
• It works on any physical hardware (only requires an IP fabric)•Decouples virtual (logical) networks from underlying physical networks (hardware independence)
•Does not require changes to applications/workloads in order to support network virtualization
•Doesn’t preclude the use of hardware support to enhance the virtualization functionality (e.g., hardware offloads)
How is it similar to compute virtualization?
•Other than jumping on the buzzword bandwagon?• It makes it easier to provision new logical networks• It makes it faster to provision new logical networks•Logical networks can be quickly created, modified, and deleted as needed without involving the physical network
• It brings network functionality closer to the workloads
Why does network virtualization matter to me?
• It actually simplifies your job as a vSphere admin•You'll be responsible for creating, modifying, and deleting virtual (logical) networks, typically from within your cloud management system
•You are abstracted away from the specific technical details of how the network provides the functionality you need for your workloads
How will network virtualization change my job?
• It actually simplifies their job•The networking group no longer needs to worry about workload provisioning tasks
• Instead, they can focus on the key values of the network in moving data from point A to point B•Performance•Reliability•Cost-effectiveness
How will network virtualization affect my networking group?
How will network virtualization affect my networking group?
WAN Internet
Compute Racks Infra Racks Edge Racks
L2
L3
What are the key components of network virtualization?
•Open vSwitch (OVS)•OpenFlow•OVSDB (and possibly OF-Config)•Network encapsulation protocols (STT, VXLAN, GRE)
What are some key technologies I should know?
Questions &answers
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