Over the last couple of years, we’ve seen OpenStack deployments shift from a public cloud model, where no one is trusted, to a private cloud model, where collaboration and shared resources between projects is required. As enterprises adopt OpenStack and integrate it into their infrastructure, new use cases continue to multiply, and existing limitations in APIs and data models have been brought to the forefront. One of the more exciting features to come out of Neutron development in the Liberty cycle that addresses a shortcoming is a framework for Role Based Access Control (RBAC).

In this multi-part blog series I intend to dive into the various components of the OpenStack Neutron project and provide working examples of networking configurations for clouds built with Rackspace Private Cloud powered by OpenStack on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS.

In the previous installment, Neutron Networking: VLAN Provider Networks, I provided guidance on configuring networks in Neutron using VLAN tagging. In this fourth installment, I’ll describe how to combine flat or VLAN provider networks with GRE-based tenant networks using the L3 agent and Neutron routers.

In this multi-part blog series I intend to dive into the various components of the OpenStack Neutron project, and to also provide working examples of networking configurations for clouds built with Rackspace Private Cloud powered by OpenStack on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS.

In the previous installment, Neutron Networking: Simple Flat Network, I demonstrated an easy method of providing connectivity to instances using an untagged flat network. In this third installment, I’ll describe how to build multiple provider networks using 802.1q vlan tagging.

In this multi-part walkthrough series, I intend to dive into the various components of the OpenStack Neutron project, and to also provide working examples of multiple networking configurations for clouds built with Rackspace Private Cloud powered by OpenStack on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. When possible, I’ll provide configuration file examples for those following along on an install from source.

In the previous installment, Neutron Networking: The Building Blocks of an OpenStack Cloud, I laid the foundation of the Neutron networking model that included terminology, concepts, and a brief description of services and capabilities. In this second installment, I’ll describe how to build a simple flat network consisting of a few servers and limited networking gear. Future installments will include VLAN-based provider and tenant networks, GRE-based tenant networks, Open vSwitch troubleshooting, and more.

In this multi-part walkthrough series, I intend to dive into the various components of the OpenStack Neutron project, and to also provide working examples of multiple networking configurations for clouds built with Rackspace Private Cloud powered by OpenStack on Ubuntu 12.04 LTS. When possible, I’ll provide configuration file examples for those following along on an install from source.

In this first installment, I’ll briefly highlight Neutron features and terminology that will be useful for later installments. Future installments will include VLAN-based provider/tenant networks, GRE-based tenant networks, Open vSwitch troubleshooting, and more.