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Software Defined Networking (SDN) represents a modern approach to network management, enabling dynamic, programmable network configurations that increase efficiency and reduce hardware dependency. One of the popular and widely used implementations of SDN is OpenvSwitch, an open-source multilayer virtual network switch. In this article, you will learn how to set up and manage software-defined networks on the CentOS 7 operating system using OpenvSwitch.

Installing OpenvSwitch on CentOS 7

1. System Preparation

   Before installing OpenvSwitch, it's essential to ensure that your system is up to date:

   sudo yum update
   

   And install necessary dependencies:

   sudo yum install epel-release
   sudo yum install gcc make python-devel openssl-devel kernel-devel kernel-headers autoconf automake rpm-build redhat-rpm-config libtool
   

2. OpenvSwitch Installation

   Download the latest version of OpenvSwitch:

   wget http://openvswitch.org/releases/openvswitch-2.15.0.tar.gz
   

   Extract the downloaded archive and navigate to the directory:

   tar -xzf openvswitch-2.15.0.tar.gz
   cd openvswitch-2.15.0
   

   Compile and install OpenvSwitch:

   ./boot.sh
   ./configure --with-linux=/lib/modules/`uname -r`/build
   make
   sudo make install
   sudo make modules_install
   

   After installation, load the OpenvSwitch module:

   sudo /sbin/modprobe openvswitch
   

3. Initializing OpenvSwitch Database

   After installation, initialize the OpenvSwitch database and start the service:

   sudo /usr/local/share/openvswitch/scripts/ovs-ctl start
   

Configuring Network Environment Using OpenvSwitch

1. Creating a Virtual Network Switch

   To create a virtual network switch, use the following command:

   sudo ovs-vsctl add-br br0
   

2. Adding Ports to the Virtual Switch

   You can add ports to your virtual switch as follows:

   sudo ovs-vsctl add-port br0 eth0
   

3. Configuring IP Address for the Virtual Switch

   Assign an IP address to the virtual switch for management purposes:

   sudo ifconfig br0 192.168.1.1 netmask 255.255.255.0 up
   

4. Verifying Configuration

   To verify your configuration, you can use the following command:

   sudo ovs-vsctl show
   

Managing and Monitoring OpenvSwitch

1. Displaying a List of Bridges

   sudo ovs-vsctl list-br
   

2. Displaying a List of Ports on the Switch

   sudo ovs-vsctl list-ports br0
   

3. Monitoring Network Traffic

   sudo tcpdump -i any -n
   

   You can use the tcpdump tool to monitor network traffic on ports:

OpenvSwitch offers a flexible and efficient solution for managing software-defined networks. Its installation and configuration on CentOS 7 are straightforward, allowing for quick deployment of SDN in environments that require dynamic network configuration. With ongoing management and monitoring, you can ensure that your network always meets current requirements and standards.