Orchestrating key features of Open-Source Network operating system using Ansible

Abstract

Due to the emerging trends on scalability, flexibility and automation in data centers, some of the most recent technologies include Vxlan L2EVPN. The focus of this investigation is on the deployment of a Vxlan-based data center network built on EVPN control plane. The work involves configuring Spine and Leaf switches, setting up BGP peering sessions, and deploying Vxlan overlays for better communication among network devices. The devices have been configured using a single point of management which acts as a control node. The devices have been configured using Ansible. Following, a comprehensive YAML files for configurations, shows the process step by step on how to setup up network infrastructure. The effectiveness of the implemented solution is measured by running different show commands such as “show ip bgp” and “show bgp summary,” that give an overview of how well the network is configured via Ansible, together with BGP relations between neighbors. Secondly, the analysis looks into MAC learning in Vxlan and confirms the VLAN-VNI mappings by making use of “show evpn vni” command as well as “show vxlan vlanvnimap”. Ping tests between end hosts confirm the correctness of set Vxlan network, as they prove communication across VLANs and among specified virtual networks. The thesis goes over the implications of these results and highlights how MAC learning affects Vxlan packet forwarding. The research outlines recommendations for improved network optimization through constant monitoring, further security updates and continuous training of the network administrators. The results serve valuable implications to practitioners in the Vxlan-based Data Center Networking, providing a theoretical manual for deployments.