What is the function of a VTEP in VXLAN?
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A. B. C. D.C.
In a VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) network, VTEP (VXLAN Tunnel Endpoint) is a crucial component that performs encapsulation and de-encapsulation of traffic to and from the VXLAN fabric. It is responsible for mapping the inner MAC addresses of the virtual machines to their corresponding VXLAN network identifiers (VNIs) and then encapsulating the traffic in a VXLAN packet.
The VXLAN protocol provides Layer 2 connectivity over an underlying Layer 3 network infrastructure. The VTEP serves as the VXLAN gateway that connects the VXLAN fabric to the external Layer 2 and Layer 3 networks.
Here are the functions of VTEP in VXLAN:
A. Provide the routing underlay and overlay for VXLAN headers: VTEP works in conjunction with the underlay IP routing infrastructure to provide overlay connectivity between VXLAN endpoints. The VTEP creates and maintains a mapping between the VXLAN network identifier (VNI) and the VXLAN tunnel endpoint's IP address.
B. Dynamically discover the location of end hosts in a VXLAN fabric: VTEP uses a control plane protocol like BGP-E VPN (Border Gateway Protocol - Ethernet VPN) to exchange endpoint reachability information with other VTEPs in the VXLAN fabric. This exchange of information allows VTEPs to dynamically learn and update endpoint reachability information, and thereby reducing the need for manual configuration.
C. Encapsulate and de-encapsulate traffic into and out of the VXLAN fabric: VTEP is responsible for the encapsulation and de-encapsulation of packets as they enter and exit the VXLAN fabric. When a packet from a virtual machine is destined for another virtual machine, VTEP encapsulates the packet with a VXLAN header and sends it to the appropriate VTEP that corresponds to the destination virtual machine's VNI.
D. Statically point to end host locations of the VXLAN fabric: VTEP can also be statically configured to point to the end host locations of the VXLAN fabric. However, this method is not preferred as it increases the configuration overhead and doesn't scale well in large VXLAN deployments.
In summary, the VTEP is a critical component in VXLAN networks that provides Layer 2 connectivity over an underlying Layer 3 network infrastructure. It performs encapsulation and de-encapsulation of traffic to and from the VXLAN fabric, dynamically learns endpoint reachability information, and maps the inner MAC addresses of the virtual machines to their corresponding VXLAN network identifiers.