HPE FlexFabric 5940 Switch Series
Service Chain Configuration Guide
Software version: Release 671x and later
Document version: 6W100-20230822
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Contents
Configuring service chains ············································································· 1
Overview ···························································································································································· 1
Service chain functions ······································································································································ 1
Node types ························································································································································· 1
Nodes supported by the switches ······················································································································ 1
Using a switch as a proxy node ························································································································· 1
Network framework ···································································································································· 1
How it works ··············································································································································· 2
Using a switch as an access point ····················································································································· 2
Network framework ···································································································································· 2
Packet format ············································································································································· 3
How it works ··············································································································································· 3
Configuring a service chain ································································································································ 4
Document conventions and icons ·································································· 5
Conventions ······················································································································································· 5
Network topology icons ······································································································································ 6
Support and other resources ········································································· 7
Accessing Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support································································································· 7
Accessing updates ············································································································································· 7
Websites ···················································································································································· 8
Customer self repair ··································································································································· 8
Remote support ·········································································································································· 8
Documentation feedback ··························································································································· 8
Index ············································································································ 10
1
Configuring service chains
Overview
Service chain is a forwarding technology used to guide network traffic through service nodes. It is
based on the Overlay technology and combines the software defined network (SDN) centralized
management theory. You can configure service chains by using a virtual converged framework
controller (VCFC).
A switch in a service chain can act as a proxy node or an access point.
Service chain functions
Service chain implements the following functions:
•
Decoupling the tenant logical network and the physical network, and separating the control
plane from the forwarding plane.
•
Service resource allocation and deployment on demand with no physical topology restrictions.
•
Dynamic creation and automatic deployment of network function virtualization (NFV) resource
pools.
•
Tenant-specific service arrangement and modification without affecting the physical topology
and other tenants.
Node types
A service chain can have the following types of nodes:
•
Proxy node—A switch that uses service chain policies deployed by a VCFC to determine
whether to forward a packet into a service chain.
•
Access point—A switch that acts as a VXLAN tunnel end point (VTEP). It uses routing policies
deployed by the VCFC to verify whether a packet is qualified to enter a service chain. If the
packet is qualified, the access point encapsulates the packet into a VXLAN packet.
•
Service node—A physical device or a NFV device that applies services to the received traffic. A
service chain can contain multiple service nodes.
Nodes supported by the switches
A switch can act as a proxy node or an access point, but it cannot act as a service node.
Using a switch as a proxy node
Network framework
Figure 1 shows the framework of a service chain network with a switch acting as a proxy node.
2
Figure 1 Network framework
How it works
The VCFC deploys service chain policies to the proxy node based on different tenant applications.
The proxy node uses the service chain policies to perform packet forwarding and service chain
processing as follows:
1. When the proxy node receives an IP packet, it uses a service chain policy to verify whether the
packet is qualified to enter a service chain.
If the packet is qualified, the proxy node forwards the packet to a service node.
If the packet is not qualified, the proxy node forwards the packet without service chain
processing.
2. When the service node receives the packet, it processes the packet and then forwards it back to
the proxy node.
3. When the proxy node receives the packet, it verifies whether the packet is qualified to enter
another service chain.
This procedure is repeated so that the packet can be processed by different service nodes.
Using a switch as an access point
Network framework
Figure 2 shows the framework of a service chain network with switches acting as access points.
VCF controller
Host A
IP network
Packet
1
Service chain 1
Service node 1:
Service list: FW
Service node 2:
Service list: IPS
Service node 3:
Service list: LB
2
3
Service node
Service node
Service node
Proxy node
3
Figure 2 Network framework
Packet format
Figure 3 shows the format of a VXLAN packet that carries service chain information.
Figure 3 Packet format
A service chain uses the following fields in the VXLAN header to identify packets:
•
Flags—When the S bit is set to 1, the Service chain field is valid. When the S bit is set to 0, the
Service chain field is invalid.
•
Service chain—A 24-bit field that includes the D bit and service path ID. When the D bit is set to
0, the packet is a forward packet. When the D bit is set to 1, the packet is a reverse packet. The
23-bit service path ID is used to identify a service chain.
How it works
The VCFC deploys routing policies to access points and service nodes based on different tenant
applications. The access points and the service nodes use the routing policies to perform packet
forwarding and service chain processing as follows:
1. When an access point receives an IP packet, it uses the routing policy to verify whether the
packet is qualified to enter a service chain.
If the packet is qualified, the access point encapsulates the packet into a VXLAN packet and
adds service chain information to the VXLAN header. The packet is then forwarded to a
service node.
If the packet is not qualified, the access point forwards the packet without service chain
processing.
Access point Access point
Server Server
Site 1 Site 2
VM
Service node 1
Service list: FW
VM
Service node
Service node
Service node
VCF controller
VXLAN packets
IP packets
Service node 2
Service list: NAT
Service node 3
Service list: LB
Original Layer 2 frame
Outer UDP
header VXLAN
header
Outer IP header
Flags
SRRRIRRR Service chain
VXLAN ID Reserved
Service path ID
D
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2. When the service node receives the VXLAN packet, it performs the following tasks:
a. Decapsulates the packet.
b. Performs a local lookup for a service chain matching the service path ID in the VXLAN
header of the packet. If a match is found, the service node applies the service to the packet.
c. Encapsulates the packet into a VXLAN packet and adds service chain information to the
VXLAN header of the packet according to the routing policy.
d. Forwards the packet to the next service node.
3. After the last service node completes processing the packet, it encapsulates the packet into a
VXLAN packet without adding service chain information to the VXLAN header. The packet is
then forwarded to the peer access point.
Configuring a service chain
You can configure a service chain only by using a VCFC. For more information, see the VCFC
configuration guide.
5
Document conventions and icons
Conventions
This section describes the conventions used in the documentation.
Command conventions
Convention
Description
Boldface Bold text represents commands and keywords that you enter literally as shown.
Italic Italic text represents arguments that you replace with actual values.
[ ] Square brackets enclose syntax choices (keywords or arguments) that are optional.
{ x | y | ... }
Braces enclose a set of required syntax choices separated by vertical bars, from which
you select one.
[ x | y | ... ]
Square brackets enclose a set of optional syntax choices separated by vertical bars,
from which you select one or none.
{ x | y | ... } *
Asterisk marked braces enclose a set of required syntax choices separated by vertical
bars, from which you select at least one.
[ x | y | ... ] *
Asterisk marked square brackets enclose optional syntax choices separated by vertical
bars, from which you select one choice, multiple choices, or none.
&<1-n> The argument or keyword and argument combination before the ampersand (&) sign
can be entered 1 to n times.
# A line that starts with a pound (#) sign is comments.
GUI conventions
Convention
Description
Boldface Window names, button names, field names, and menu items are in Boldface. For
example, the New User window opens; click OK.
> Multi-level menus are separated by angle brackets. For example, File > Create >
Folder.
Symbols
Convention
Description
WARNING! An alert that calls attention to important information that if not understood or followed
can result in personal injury.
CAUTION:
An alert that calls attention to important information that if not understood or followed
can result in data loss, data corruption, or damage to hardware or software.
IMPORTANT:
An alert that calls attention to essential information.
NOTE:
An alert that contains additional or supplementary information.
TIP:
An alert that provides helpful information.
6
Network topology icons
Convention
Description
Represents a generic network device, such as a router, switch, or firewall.
Represents a routing-capable device, such as a router or Layer 3 switch.
Represents a generic switch, such as a Layer 2 or Layer 3 switch, or a router that
supports Layer 2 forwarding and other Layer 2 features.
Represents an access controller, a unified wired-WLAN module, or the access
controller engine on a unified wired-WLAN switch.
Represents an access point.
Represents a wireless terminator unit.
Represents a wireless terminator.
Represents a mesh access point.
Represents omnidirectional signals.
Represents directional signals.
Represents a security product, such as a firewall, UTM, multiservice security
gateway, or load balancing device.
Represents a security module, such as a firewall, load balancing, NetStream, SSL
VPN, IPS, or ACG module.
Examples provided in this document
Examples in this document might use devices that differ from your device in hardware model,
configuration, or software version. It is normal that the port numbers, sample output, screenshots,
and other information in the examples differ from what you have on your device.
T
T
T
T
7
Support and other resources
Accessing Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support
•
For live assistance, go to the Contact Hewlett Packard Enterprise Worldwide website:
www.hpe.com/assistance
•
To access documentation and support services, go to the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support
Center website:
www.hpe.com/support/hpesc
Information to collect
•
Technical support registration number (if applicable)
•
Product name, model or version, and serial number
•
Operating system name and version
•
Firmware version
•
Error messages
•
Product-specific reports and logs
•
Add-on products or components
•
Third-party products or components
Accessing updates
•
Some software products provide a mechanism for accessing software updates through the
product interface. Review your product documentation to identify the recommended software
update method.
•
To download product updates, go to either of the following:
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center Get connected with updates page:
www.hpe.com/support/e-updates
Software Depot website:
www.hpe.com/support/softwaredepot
•
To view and update your entitlements, and to link your contracts, Care Packs, and warranties
with your profile, go to the Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center More Information on
Access to Support Materials page:
www.hpe.com/support/AccessToSupportMaterials
IMPORTANT:
Access to some updates might require product entitlement when accessed through the Hewlett
Packard Enterprise Support Center. You must have an HP Passport set up with relevant
entitlements.
8
Websites
Website
Link
Networking websites
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Information Library for
Networking www.hpe.com/networking/resourcefinder
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Networking website www.hpe.com/info/networking
Hewlett Packard Enterprise My Networking website www.hpe.com/networking/support
Hewlett Packard Enterprise My Networking Portal www.hpe.com/networking/mynetworking
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Networking Warranty www.hpe.com/networking/warranty
General websites
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Information Library www.hpe.com/info/enterprise/docs
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Center www.hpe.com/support/hpesc
Hewlett Packard Enterprise Support Services Central ssc.hpe.com/portal/site/ssc/
Contact Hewlett Packard Enterprise Worldwide www.hpe.com/assistance
Subscription Service/Support Alerts www.hpe.com/support/e-updates
Software Depot www.hpe.com/support/softwaredepot
Customer Self Repair (not applicable to all devices) www.hpe.com/support/selfrepair
Insight Remote Support (not applicable to all devices) www.hpe.com/info/insightremotesupport/docs
Customer self repair
Hewlett Packard Enterprise customer self repair (CSR) programs allow you to repair your product. If
a CSR part needs to be replaced, it will be shipped directly to you so that you can install it at your
convenience. Some parts do not qualify for CSR. Your Hewlett Packard Enterprise authorized
service provider will determine whether a repair can be accomplished by CSR.
For more information about CSR, contact your local service provider or go to the CSR website:
www.hpe.com/support/selfrepair
Remote support
Remote support is available with supported devices as part of your warranty, Care Pack Service, or
contractual support agreement. It provides intelligent event diagnosis, and automatic, secure
submission of hardware event notifications to Hewlett Packard Enterprise, which will initiate a fast
and accurate resolution based on your product’s service level. Hewlett Packard Enterprise strongly
recommends that you register your device for remote support.
For more information and device support details, go to the following website:
www.hpe.com/info/insightremotesupport/docs
Documentation feedback
Hewlett Packard Enterprise is committed to providing documentation that meets your needs. To help
us improve the documentation, send any errors, suggestions, or comments to Documentation
Feedback (docsfeedback@hpe.com). When submitting your feedback, include the document title,
9
part number, edition, and publication date located on the front cover of the document. For online help
content, include the product name, product version, help edition, and publication date located on the
legal notices page.
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Index
A
access point
service chain switch as access point, 2
service chain switch as access point (how it
works), 3
service chain switch as access point (network
framework), 2
service chain switch as access point (packet
format), 3
C
configuring
service chain, 1, 4
F
format
service chain switch as access point (packet
format), 3
forwarding
service chain configuration, 1, 4
framework
service chain switch as access point (how it
works), 3
service chain switch as access point (network
framework), 2
service chain switch as proxy node (network
framework), 1
function
service chain, 1
N
network
service chain function, 1
service chain node type, 1
service chain switch as access point, 2
service chain switch as access point (how it
works), 3
service chain switch as access point (network
framework), 2
service chain switch as access point (packet
format), 3
service chain switch as proxy node, 1
service chain switch as proxy node (how it
works), 2
service chain switch as proxy node (network
framework), 1
service chain switch-supported node type, 1
network management
service chain configuration, 1, 4
node
service chain configuration, 1, 4
service chain switch as proxy node, 1
service chain switch as proxy node (how it works),
2
service chain switch as proxy node (network
framework), 1
service chain type, 1
P
packet
service chain configuration, 1, 4
service chain switch as access point (packet
format), 3
point
service chain switch as access point, 2
service chain switch as access point (how it
works), 3
service chain switch as access point (network
framework), 2
service chain switch as access point (packet
format), 3
procedure
configuring service chain, 4
proxy
service chain switch as proxy node, 1
service chain switch as proxy node (how it works),
2
service chain switch as proxy node (network
framework), 1
R
routing
service chain configuration, 1, 4
S
service chain
configuration, 1, 4
function, 1
node type, 1
switch as access point, 2
switch as access point (how it works), 3
switch as access point (network framework), 2
switch as access point (packet format), 3
switch as proxy node, 1
switch as proxy node (how it works), 2
switch as proxy node (network framework), 1
switch-supported node type, 1
switch
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