Network architecture

• Networking concepts
  • Network zones
  • Traffic flow
  • Layer networking choices
  • Networking service (neutron)
• Designing an OpenStack network
  • Additional network design considerations
  • Choosing network hardware
  • Choosing networking software
• Additional networking services
  • NTP
  • DNS
  • DHCP
  • LBaaS

OpenStack provides a rich networking environment. This chapter details the requirements and options to consider when designing your cloud. This includes examples of network implementations to consider, information about some OpenStack network layouts and networking services that are essential for stable operation.

Warning

If this is the first time you are deploying a cloud infrastructure in your organization, your first conversations should be with your networking team. Network usage in a running cloud is vastly different from traditional network deployments and has the potential to be disruptive at both a connectivity and a policy level.

For example, you must plan the number of IP addresses that you need for both your guest instances as well as management infrastructure. Additionally, you must research and discuss cloud network connectivity through proxy servers and firewalls.