Network Virtualization using Extreme Fabric Connect

Table Of Contents
Network Virtualization Using Extreme Fabric Connect
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routing domain end-point is provisioned (VRF/L3 VSN). The same is true when activating IP Multicast
within a service.
Tip
With MPLS architectures, the end-point provisioning goes only as far as the PE distribution
node and in no cases to the access switches. This is true for both IPVPN and VPLS service
types. In the case of Draft Rosen Multicast VPNs, the MPLS core will need to be PIM
enabled.
Indeed, in an Extreme Networks Fabric Connect architecture, if we assume that all the L3 VSN routing
domains are already in place, adding a new application or new user to the network can be completely
liberated by any human intervention on the network switches as users can be assigned to the correct L2
segment via identity based routing (RADIUS Authentication with Fabric Attach) and new VMs can be
automatically attached to the correct server VLAN by the network management automatic provisioning
software or Fabric Attach in the OVS software in the hypervisor.
Loop Detection and Protection Mechanisms
So far, we have covered how human error can have an impact on network provisioning when software
configuring the network devices and how Fabric Connect minimizes these risks. There is however another
important area which is prone to human errors and which is physical patching of cables, fibres and the
patch panels which both make use of. We will also include here human errors originating from personnel
configuring the server hypervisors in the data center, since these components have software-based
vSwitches within them which, if misconfigured, can ultimately lead to the same network failure conditions.
Figure 92 Loop Forming on Access VLAN
These failure conditions fall into two categories; both are very serious:
Loops forming on access L2 VLANs. A full bridging loop will result in broadcast/multicast traffic
being looped around at the rate of the slowest link in the loop. With gigabit in the wiring closet