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Specialized networking example
Some applications that interact with a network require specialized connectivity. Applications such as a looking glass require the ability to connect to a BGP peer, or route participant applications may need to join a network at a layer2 level.
Challenges
Connecting specialized network applications to their required resources alters the design of an OpenStack installation. Installations that rely on overlay networks are unable to support a routing participant, and may also block layer-2 listeners.
Possible solutions
Deploying an OpenStack installation using OpenStack Networking with a
provider network allows direct layer-2 connectivity to an upstream
networking device. This design provides the layer-2 connectivity
required to communicate via Intermediate System-to-Intermediate System
(ISIS) protocol or to pass packets controlled by an OpenFlow controller.
Using the multiple layer-2 plug-in with an agent such as Open vSwitch allows a
private connection through a VLAN directly to a specific port in a
layer-3 device. This allows a BGP point-to-point link to join the
autonomous system. Avoid using layer-3 plug-ins as they divide the
broadcast domain and prevent router adjacencies from forming.