Data Networks in Kubernetes

StarlingX data network management allows you to model the L2 networks that are attached to node data, pci-sriov and pci-passthrough interfaces.

A data network represents a Layer 2 physical or virtual network, or set of virtual networks, used to provide the underlying network connectivity needed to support the application networks. Multiple data networks may be configured as required, and realized over the same or different physical networks. Access to external networks is typically (although not necessarily) granted to worker nodes using a data network. The extent of this connectivity, including access to the open internet, is application dependent.

Data networks are required for StarlingX OpenStack deployments and for the base StarlingX if you wish to deploy container applications with SR-IOV devices.

Data networks are created by the administrator to make use of an underlying set of resources on a physical network. The following types of data networks can be created:

flat

A data network mapped entirely over the physical network.

VLAN

A data network implemented on a physical network using a VLAN identifier. This allows multiple data networks over the same physical network.

VXLAN

Note

This data interface is ONLY applicable to the StarlingX OpenStack application.

A data network implemented across non-contiguous physical networks connected by Layer 3 routers, using a VNI identifier. This allows multiple data networks over physically separated Layer 2 networks.

There are no specific requirements for network services to be available on the data network. However, you must ensure that all network services required by the guests running on the worker nodes are available. For configuration purposes, the worker nodes themselves are entirely served by the services provided by the controller nodes over the internal management and cluster-host networks.