Improving network virtualization in Openstack: SRIOV and DPDK

Network virtualisation is the heart of VMs' communication in a cloud environment where virtual routers, switches, firewalls and functions exist. Performance of the virtual network directly impacts the efficiency of VMs'... [ view full abstract ]

Network virtualisation is the heart of VMs' communication in a cloud environment where virtual routers, switches, firewalls and functions exist. Performance of the virtual network directly impacts the efficiency of VMs' communications. Openstack has rapidly become a very popular cloud platform for both academic teaching and research use cases. The presentation looks into Neutron as the network virtualisation enabler for Openstack and what performance enhancements does SRIOV and DPDK bring into the throughput and latency of the virtual network.

The presentation starts by briefly describing the role of Neutron as the network virtualisation component of Openstack and then illustrates the traditional layout of a virtual network in Openstack. It then illustrates how the layout will differ with the use of SRIOV and DPDK, and points to where the performance improvements will be achieved. The presentation ends by discussing the use-cases for using SRIOV or DPDK in an Openstack environment and where each technology provides a better fit.