Open vSwitch version 2.5 released

The recent Open vSwitch version 2.5 release includes significant network virtualization enhancements:

   - sFlow agent now reports tunnel and MPLS structures.
   ...
   - Add experimental version of OVN.  OVN, the Open Virtual Network, is a
     system to support virtual network abstraction.  OVN complements the
     existing capabilities of OVS to add native support for virtual network
     abstractions, such as virtual L2 and L3 overlays and security groups.

The sFlow Tunnel Structures specification enhances visibility into network virtualization by capturing encapsulation / decapsulation actions performed by tunnel end points. In many network virtualization implementations VXLAN, GRE, Geneve tunnels are terminate in Open vSwitch and so the new feature has broad application.

The second related feature is the inclusion of the Open Virtual Network (OVN), providing a simple method of building virtual networks for OpenStack and Docker.

The following articles provide additional background:

• Open vSwitch 2015 Fall Conference
• Open Virtual Network (OVN)
• Network virtualization visibility demo