Networking

Networking on Chameleon is implemented using OpenStack Neutron. Most experiments will require Basic networking functionality including Internet access and connectivity between nodes. Chameleon provides basic networking capabilities via a pre-configured shared network called sharednet1. Many experiments require additional connectivity and control of the network. These experiments can utilize Chameleon’s advanced networking capabilities including Isolated network VLANs, External layer 3 connectivity, and External layer2 connections (stitching).

Not sure which advanced option you need? A quick way to decide:

• Want your own private layer-2 network among your Chameleon nodes, with full control over addressing, DHCP, and routing — for example, to run your own DHCP server or isolate a multi-node experiment from other users’ traffic? Use Isolated network VLANs.

• Want your Chameleon nodes to talk to nodes at another Chameleon site (or to FABNET) at layer 3, without managing floating IPs or a stitched VLAN yourself? Use External layer 3 connectivity.

• Want a dedicated layer-2 connection between a Chameleon network and an external facility like FABRIC, so you can run your own layer-3 (or lower) protocols over it? Use External layer2 connections (stitching).

Note

Networks can also be created and managed programmatically via the chi.network module in python-chi — see our Jupyter and python-chi guide for an introduction.

Networking Topics

• Basic networking
• Isolated network VLANs
• External layer2 connections (stitching)
• External layer 3 connectivity
• Jumbo frames