Automating Ethernet VPN Deployment in SDN-based Data Centers

TL;DR

This paper presents an SDN-based framework that automates the deployment and management of Ethernet VPNs in data centers, reducing manual effort and operational costs while improving scalability.

Contribution

It introduces a novel automation framework integrating OpenStack and OpenDaylight for EVPN deployment in SDN-based data centers, addressing scalability and operational challenges.

Findings

Automated EVPN deployment reduces configuration errors.

Enhanced scalability of EVPN in data centers.

Operational cost savings demonstrated through implementation.

Abstract

Layer 2 Virtual Private Network (L2VPN) is widely deployed in both service provider networks and enterprises. However, legacy L2VPN solutions have scalability limitations in the context of Data Center (DC) interconnection and networking which require new approaches that address the requirements of service providers for virtual private cloud services. Recently, Ethernet VPN (EVPN) has been proposed to address many of those concerns and vendors started to deploy EVPN based solutions in DC edge routers. However, manual configuration leads to a time-consuming, error-prone configuration and high operational costs. Automating the EVPN deployment from cloud platforms such as OpenStack enhances both the deployment and flexibility of EVPN Instances (EVIs). This paper proposes a Software Defined Network (SDN) based framework that automates the EVPN deployment and management inside SDN-based DCs using OpenStack and OpenDaylight (ODL). We implemented and extended several modules inside ODL controller to manage and interact with EVIs and an interface to OpenStack that allows the deployment and configuration of EVIs. We conclude with scalability analysis of our solution.