Abstract: Example methods are provided for a first node to perform identifier (ID) allocation in a virtualized computing environment that includes a cluster formed by the first node and at least one second node. The method may comprise retrieving, from a pool of IDs associated with the cluster, a batch of IDs to a cache associated with the first node. The pool of IDs may be shared within the cluster and the batch of IDs retrieved for subsequent ID allocation by the first node. The method may also comprise, in response to receiving a request for ID allocation from an ID consumer, allocating one or more IDs from the batch of IDs in the cache to respective one or more objects for unique identification of the one or more objects across the cluster; and sending, to the ID consumer, a response that includes the allocated one or more IDs.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for distributing a service rule that is to be enforced across a first set of sites and that is defined by reference to a group identifier that identifies a group of machines. The method distributes the service rule to each site in the first set of sites. The method identifies at least one site in the first set of sites that is not in a second set of sites that has already received a definition of the group. The method distributes the group definition to each identified site in the first set of sites that has not already received the definition of the group.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for distributing a group definition for a group of machines. The method receives the group definition, which includes (i) a span of the group that specifies a set of sites at which the group is to be used and (ii) a set of criteria for machines to be included in the group. The set of criteria includes at least a location criteria specifying one or more sites. The method distributes the group definition to each site in the set of sites. At each site in the set of sites, a local network control system of the site determines a set of machines in the group based on the set of criteria. Only machines in the one or more sites specified by the location criteria are determined to be in the group.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an approach for managing group membership in a multi-site networking environment. Embodiments include receiving, at a local management component on a networking site of a plurality of networking sites, from a global management component associated with the plurality of networking sites, a definition of a group. Embodiments include determining, by the local management component on the networking site, based on the definition, that the group comprises a networking object with a span that does not include the networking site. Embodiments include storing, by the local management component on the networking site, in a data structure, a reference to the networking object in association with the group, wherein the networking object is excluded from a determination of local membership of the group on the networking site.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for distributing a service rule that is to be enforced across a first set of sites and that is defined by reference to a group identifier that identifies a group of machines. The method distributes the service rule to each site in the first set of sites. The method identifies at least one site in the first set of sites that is not in a second set of sites that has already received a definition of the group. The method distributes the group definition to each identified site in the first set of sites that has not already received the definition of the group.

Abstract: Some embodiments provide a method for distributing a group definition for a group of machines. The method receives the group definition, which includes (i) a span of the group that specifies a set of sites at which the group is to be used and (ii) a set of criteria for machines to be included in the group. The set of criteria includes at least a location criteria specifying one or more sites. The method distributes the group definition to each site in the set of sites. At each site in the set of sites, a local network control system of the site determines a set of machines in the group based on the set of criteria. Only machines in the one or more sites specified by the location criteria are determined to be in the group.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein provide an approach for automated realization of hand-drawn topologies. In one embodiment, a topologizer application is configured to parse an image depicting a hand-drawn topology and identify shapes and relationships between the shapes in the image. The topologizer may convert the hand-drawn topology to polygons and then identify the polygons as being, e.g., particular shapes and arrows representing relationships between the shapes. The identified shapes and relationships are then output in a machine-readable format for consumption, in which the shapes are mapped to corresponding components of a computing system and deployed based on the mapping and the relationships indicated in the topologizer output.

Abstract: Example methods are provided for a first node to perform identifier (ID) allocation in a virtualized computing environment that includes a cluster formed by the first node and at least one second node. The method may comprise retrieving, from a pool of IDs associated with the cluster, a batch of IDs to a cache associated with the first node. The pool of IDs may be shared within the cluster and the batch of IDs retrieved for subsequent ID allocation by the first node. The method may also comprise, in response to receiving a request for ID allocation from an ID consumer, allocating one or more IDs from the batch of IDs in the cache to respective one or more objects for unique identification of the one or more objects across the cluster; and sending, to the ID consumer, a response that includes the allocated one or more IDs.

Abstract: Techniques disclosed herein provide an approach for automated realization of hand-drawn topologies. In one embodiment, a topologizer application is configured to parse an image depicting a hand-drawn topology and identify shapes and relationships between the shapes in the image. The topologizer may convert the hand-drawn topology to polygons and then identify the polygons as being, e.g., particular shapes and arrows representing relationships between the shapes. The identified shapes and relationships are then output in a machine-readable format for consumption, in which the shapes are mapped to corresponding components of a computing system and deployed based on the mapping and the relationships indicated in the topologizer output.