The ML2 plugin offers a wide range of possibilities to handle different virtual network topologies in an OpenStack environment. The implementation of virtual networks can be more complex, depending on how traffic will be segmented based on tunneling.
Tunneling in OpenStack networking jargon can be classified into two network types:
- Underlay network: IP fabric network connectivity between network and compute nodes
- Overlay network: A virtual layer-2 domain for connectivity between VMs
Depending on which mechanism driver is being used, any virtual network in Neutron acts as a layer-2 broadcast domain. To manage and operate any type of virtual network resources, refer to the basic pieces in Neutron forming a virtual network infrastructure as follows:
- Virtual network switches: These connect virtual and physical networks by the means of virtual ports...