Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for load balancing a networking system comprising multiple computing nodes. The method comprises maintaining one or more data sets on at least one computing node. The method further comprises receiving, from each computing node, a load information unit for the computing node, wherein the load information unit relates to resource usage on the computing node. For each computing node, the method determines whether the load information for the computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the computing node. A data set on at least one computing node is transferred to another computing node when the load information for the at least one computing node exceeds a corresponding load threshold for the at least one computing node.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for fulfilling a service chain request. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to collect network data of a plurality of instances of services and connections between the plurality of instances of services and redefine service chains to direct flow to an alternative instance of a service responsive to determining that an instance of a service in a service chain has become inaccessible. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to fulfill a service chain request and avoid one or more instances of services (and/or connections there between) that could cause a delay between transmitting data packets through the service chain.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a controller includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor, the logic being configured to receive a query from a network device for instruction regarding where to send network traffic, the query including a first cookie, determine whether the first cookie is legitimate, and send a message to the network device, the message including either: the first cookie in response to a determination that the first cookie is legitimate or a second cookie which indicates a second next hop device determined by the controller in response to a determination that the first cookie is not legitimate. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in more embodiments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for fulfilling a service chain request. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to collect network data of a plurality of instances of services and connections between the plurality of instances of services and redefine service chains to direct flow to an alternative instance of a service responsive to determining that an instance of a service in a service chain has become inaccessible. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to fulfill a service chain request and avoid one or more instances of services (and/or connections there between) that could cause a delay between transmitting data packets through the service chain.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to overlay network address management. One embodiment includes an overlay gateway including an overlay network manager associated with a physical network. The overlay network manager prevents duplicate address assignment for overlay domains having a first sharing status and performs address translation for overlay domains having a second sharing status. Address translation is avoided for overlay domains having the first sharing status.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to overlay network address management. One embodiment includes an overlay gateway including an overlay network manager associated with a physical network. The overlay network manager prevents duplicate address assignment for overlay domains having a first sharing status and performs address translation for overlay domains having a second sharing status. Address translation is avoided for overlay domains having the first sharing status.

Abstract: A method includes receiving tunnel information and end point information in response to a request to a distributed cluster. A common tunnel type supported by a source switch and a destination switch is selected. A packet is encapsulated with the common tunnel type supported by the source switch and the destination switch for a destination virtual machine (VM).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a server includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor. The logic is configured to hash at least a portion of a packet according to a hashing algorithm to obtain a hash value. The logic is also configured to select an uplink with which to forward the packet based on the hash value. In another embodiment, a method includes hashing at least a portion of at least one packet according to a hashing algorithm to obtain a hash value using an accelerated network interface card (NIC) of a server. The accelerated NIC is configured to provide overlay functionality. The method also includes selecting an uplink, based on the hash value, from a plurality of uplinks available to send traffic out to a network using the accelerated NIC.

Abstract: In a method for providing communication integrity within a distributed database computer system, a first node of a plurality of nodes transmits a change notification to a second node of the plurality of nodes. The change notification indicates that the first node has changed from a first version to a second version. The first node receives at least one change confirmation from the second node. The change confirmation confirms acknowledgment of the change notification by the second node and by a third node of the plurality of nodes. The first node updates a version table of the first node to show that the second node and the third node know that the first node has changed from the first version to the second version.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for asymmetrical link aggregation includes detecting a link change corresponding to a previously selected port of a first set of ports used to forward frames to one of a plurality of aggregation switches connected via the first set of ports to an access switch. The method also includes re-selecting, using the access switch, a port of the first set of ports according to a distribution algorithm that ensures that all frames with a given source address are forwarded using a single port and causes frames with different source addresses to be distributed uniformly among the first set of ports in response to detecting the link change. Also, the method includes generating and sending a fake reverse address resolution protocol (RARP) frame including the given source address of the frame from the re-selected port in response to detecting the link change.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor. The logic is configured to cause the processor to receive one or more packets to be switched to a next hop, the one or more packets indicating a destination address and a first virtual network identifier (VNID). The logic is also configured to cause the processor to send a query to a controller in order to determine a service chain for the one or more packets, the query including the first VNID and the destination address. Moreover, the logic is configured to cause the processor to receive a response that includes the next hop and a next routed hop for the one or more packets. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in accordance with more embodiments.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to providing acceleration for traffic migration for virtual machine (VM) migration in overlay networks. One embodiment includes a method that includes migrating of a VM from a first hypervisor to a second hypervisor. The first hypervisor detects incoming encapsulated traffic sent from a third hypervisor that is targeted for the VM. The first hypervisor indicates to a service of incorrect information in the incoming encapsulated traffic for the VM. The third hypervisor is notified with updated information for the VM.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a processor and logic configured to designate one of a plurality of endpoint virtual network identifiers (EPVNIDs) for each endpoint device in a network, wherein each EPVNID is configured to be shared by one or more endpoint devices, designate a common waypoint virtual network identifier (WPVNID) for all transparent waypoint devices in the network which perform a same function, designate a unique WPVNID for each routed waypoint device in the network, designate a common virtual network identifier (VNID) for all virtual switches in a single virtual network, wherein a different VNID is designated for each virtual network, and create a service chain table comprising each VNID, WPVNID, and EPVNID designated in the network individually correlated with at least a pair of VNIDs: a source VNID and a destination VNID, based on one or more policies affecting application of services to packets in the network.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method for asymmetrical link aggregation includes detecting a link change corresponding to a previously selected port of a first set of ports used to forward frames to one of a plurality of aggregation switches connected via the first set of ports to an access switch. The method also includes re-selecting, using the access switch, a port of the first set of ports according to a distribution algorithm that ensures that all frames with a given source address are forwarded using a single port and causes frames with different source addresses to be distributed uniformly among the first set of ports in response to detecting the link change. Also, the method includes generating and sending a fake reverse address resolution protocol (RARP) frame including the given source address of the frame from the re-selected port in response to detecting the link change.

Abstract: A data handling network includes a management system and a plurality of devices in communication with the management system. Each device may operate under various configurations. The management system includes a configuration version table that includes a device identifier and an intended configuration version number. A configuration manager within a device queries the management system with a query that includes a device identifier and a current device operating configuration version number. The management system may interrogate the configuration version table to determine if the current device operating configuration version number is similar to the intended configuration version number.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a controller includes a processor and logic integrated with and/or executable by the processor, the logic being configured to receive a query from a network device for instruction regarding where to send network traffic, the query including a first cookie, determine whether the first cookie is legitimate, and send a message to the network device, the message including either: the first cookie in response to a determination that the first cookie is legitimate or a second cookie which indicates a second next hop device determined by the controller in response to a determination that the first cookie is not legitimate. Other systems, methods, and computer program products are described in more embodiments.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an apparatus and method for asymmetrical link aggregation is disclosed, wherein the method is implemented in an access switch, the access switch connects to at least two aggregation switches through a first set of ports and respective links, the access switch connects to an external network through a second set of ports, and the at least two aggregation switches connects to an internal network, the method comprising: in response to receiving a frame from one of the second set of ports, selecting one of the first set of ports based on the source address of the frame; and sending the frame using the selected one of the first set of ports.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a method for data replication in a networking system comprising multiple computing nodes. The method comprises maintaining a data set on at least two computing nodes of the system. The method further comprises receiving a data update request for the data set, wherein the data update request includes a data update for the data set. The data set on the at least two computing nodes is updated based on the data update request received.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods, computer program products, and systems for fulfilling a service chain request. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to collect network data of a plurality of instances of services and connections between the plurality of instances of services and redefine service chains to direct flow to an alternative instance of a service responsive to determining that an instance of a service in a service chain has become inaccessible. Embodiments of the present invention can be used to fulfill a service chain request and avoid one or more instances of services (and/or connections there between) that could cause a delay between transmitting data packets through the service chain.

Abstract: In a method for providing communication integrity within a distributed database computer system, a first node of a plurality of nodes transmits a change notification to a second node of the plurality of nodes. The change notification indicates that the first node has changed from a first version to a second version. The first node receives at least one change confirmation from the second node. The change confirmation confirms acknowledgment of the change notification by the second node and by a third node of the plurality of nodes. The first node updates a version table of the first node to show that the second node and the third node know that the first node has changed from the first version to the second version.