Abstract: Example methods are provided for a first switch to perform congestion-aware load balancing in a data center network. The method may comprise: receiving probe packets from multiple next-hop second switches that connect the first switch with a third switch via multiple paths. The method may also comprise: processing congestion state information in each probe packet to select a selected next-hop second switch from the multiple next-hop second switches, the selected next-hop second switch being associated with a least congested path from the first switch to the third switch. The method may further comprise: in response to receiving data packets from a fourth switch that are destined for a destination connected with the third switch, sending the data packets to the selected next-hop second switch such that the data packets travel to the third switch along the least congested path.

Abstract: Example methods are provided for a first switch to perform congestion-aware load balancing in a data center network. The method may comprise: receiving probe packets from multiple next-hop second switches that connect the first switch with a third switch via multiple paths. The method may also comprise: processing congestion state information in each probe packet to select a selected next-hop second switch from the multiple next-hop second switches, the selected next-hop second switch being associated with a least congested path from the first switch to the third switch. The method may further comprise: in response to receiving data packets from a fourth switch that are destined for a destination connected with the third switch, sending the data packets to the selected next-hop second switch such that the data packets travel to the third switch along the least congested path.

Abstract: Example methods are provided for a source virtual tunnel endpoint (VTEP) to perform congestion-aware load balancing in a data center network. The method may comprise the source VTEP learning congestion state information associated with multiple paths provided by respective multiple intermediate switches connecting the source VTEP with a destination VTEP. The method may also comprise the source VTEP receiving second packets that are sent by a source endpoint and destined for a destination endpoint; and selecting a particular path from multiple paths based on the congestion state information. The method may further comprise the source VTEP generating encapsulated second packets by encapsulating each of the second packets with header information that includes a set of tuples associated with the particular path; and sending the encapsulated second packets to the destination endpoint.

Abstract: Example methods are provided for a source virtual tunnel endpoint (VTEP) to perform congestion-aware load balancing in a data center network. The method may comprise the source VTEP learning congestion state information associated with multiple paths provided by respective multiple intermediate switches connecting the source VTEP with a destination VTEP. The method may also comprise the source VTEP receiving second packets that are sent by a source endpoint and destined for a destination endpoint; and selecting a particular path from multiple paths based on the congestion state information. The method may further comprise the source VTEP generating encapsulated second packets by encapsulating each of the second packets with header information that includes a set of tuples associated with the particular path; and sending the encapsulated second packets to the destination endpoint.

Abstract: Example methods are provided for a source virtual tunnel endpoint (VTEP) to perform congestion-aware load balancing in a data center network. The method may comprise the source VTEP learning congestion state information associated with multiple paths provided by respective multiple intermediate switches connecting the source VTEP with a destination VTEP. The method may also comprise the source VTEP receiving second packets that are sent by a source endpoint and destined for a destination endpoint; and selecting a particular path from multiple paths based on the congestion state information. The method may further comprise the source VTEP generating encapsulated second packets by encapsulating each of the second packets with header information that includes a set of tuples associated with the particular path; and sending the encapsulated second packets to the destination endpoint.

Abstract: Example methods are provided for a first switch to perform congestion-aware load balancing in a data center network. The method may comprise: receiving probe packets from multiple next-hop second switches that connect the first switch with a third switch via multiple paths. The method may also comprise: processing congestion state information in each probe packet to select a selected next-hop second switch from the multiple next-hop second switches, the selected next-hop second switch being associated with a least congested path from the first switch to the third switch. The method may further comprise: in response to receiving data packets from a fourth switch that are destined for a destination connected with the third switch, sending the data packets to the selected next-hop second switch such that the data packets travel to the third switch along the least congested path.

Abstract: Example methods are provided for a source virtual tunnel endpoint (VTEP) to perform congestion-aware load balancing in a data center network. The method may comprise the source VTEP learning congestion state information associated with multiple paths provided by respective multiple intermediate switches connecting the source VTEP with a destination VTEP. The method may also comprise the source VTEP receiving second packets that are sent by a source endpoint and destined for a destination endpoint; and selecting a particular path from multiple paths based on the congestion state information. The method may further comprise the source VTEP generating encapsulated second packets by encapsulating each of the second packets with header information that includes a set of tuples associated with the particular path; and sending the encapsulated second packets to the destination endpoint.