H3C Technologies H3C S12500 Series Switches - Manual (Page 8)

1
Configuring OpenFlow
The switch does not support OpenFlow when the following conditions exist:
• The switch operates in standard mode or enhanced Lay 2 mode.
• The switch is operating in IRF mode and the enhanced IRF mode is enabled.
For more information about the system operating mode, see Fundamentals Configuration Guide. For
more information about the enhanced IRF mode, see Virtual Technologies Configuration Guide.
Overview
OpenFlow is the communications interface defined between the control and forwarding layers of a
Software-Defined Networking architecture. With OpenFlow, you can perform centralized data
forwarding management for physical and virtual devices through controllers.
OpenFlow separates the data forwarding and routing decision functions. It keeps the flow-based
forwarding function and employs a separate controller to make routing decisions. An OpenFlow switch
communicates with the controller through an OpenFlow channel. An OpenFlow channel can be
encrypted by using TLS or run directly over TCP. An OpenFlow switch exchanges control messages with
the controller through an OpenFlow channel to perform the following operations:
• Receive flow table entries or data from the controller.
• Report information to the controller.
Unless otherwise stated, a switch refers to an OpenFlow switch throughout this document.
Figure 1 OpenFlow network diagram
OpenFlow switch
OpenFlow switches include the following types:
• OpenFlow-only—Supports only OpenFlow operation.