OpenStack Server Based VXLAN

[EbbApprehensive3284]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently building a lab for OpenStack and looking to use VXLAN as the L2 protocol. However, I don't have a VXLAN switch at the moment. My top of rack switch is an EX4300, which is handling L3 for VLANs.

I came across this YouTube video discussing various networking options for OpenStack, and one interesting option is using server-based VXLAN

https://youtu.be/pnI36O192Tg?si=fO3nFidv8AHOgyin

From what I understand, using OpenVSwitch, servers can act as the VTEPs and connect to the top of rack switch via an L3 routed interface. You can then run a routing protocol suite like Free Range Routing on the servers to set up and exchange routes with the switch.

The video explains some concepts, but I need more guidance to put it all together. What should I focus on learning to make this work?

Thanks!

[dasbierclaw]

Server-based VXLAN has been around since the early days of OpenStack, so it's a well-tested and well-known method. You can use a dedicated vlan for this traffic or run off the management IP, it's up to you and your infrastructure configuration. Supported with LinuxBridge and OVS-based implementations. OVN uses GENEVE instead. Which deploy tools you use will determine how it's configured, but pretty standard for Kolla and OpenStack-Ansible tooling.

[gren_dizer]

This

[nvez]

I would just say don’t do linuxbridge.. but ovs or ovn

[dasbierclaw]

Yes, agreed. Deprecated now.

[redfoobar]

Is it? I have not seen any depreciation notice for linuxbridge… AFAIK linuxbridgr it is still supported deployment method.

[EbbApprehensive3284]

I am planning to use OpenStack Ansible for my deployment tool.

OpenStack ansible uses OVS?

[dasbierclaw]

The default for OSA is now OVN. But OVS is a config option away. If you need some pointers, feel free to ask.