Layer 2 (L2) capabilities in OpenStack

In networking terminology, the connectivity to a physical or virtual switch is also known as Layer 2 (L2) connectivity. L2 connectivity is the most fundamental form of network connectivity needed for virtual machines. As mentioned previously, OpenStack supports core and service functionality. The L2 connectivity for virtual machines falls under the core capability of OpenStack Networking, whereas router, firewall, and so on fall under the service category.

The L2 connectivity in OpenStack is realized using two constructs, called network and subnet. Operators can use OpenStack CLI or the web interface to create networks and subnets. And as virtual machines are instantiated, the operators can associate them ...

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