How Do You Operate Host-Based Networking Across Hundreds of DPUs?
Introduction Moving networking functions into each host addresses a scaling issue but creates an operations issue. Instead of a single leaf carrying the state for a rack, you have a router in every server. These routers need consistent BGP, EVPN, and tenant configuration and need to be in sync with the leaf switches they peer with. This document will address the operations side of the problem. We will demonstrate how the design and implementation of a fabric leads to a running HBN fabric and discuss where automation and validation prevent the problems that would occur with manual work. How Is HBN Turned On in ONES? Configuration is in the Network Setup section under N-S Network Settings. Enabling DPU HBN requires just one switch, but changes how ONES models the entire fabric. VTEP termination is now done at the DPU, not the leaf. ONES programs the DPUs directly, requiring DPU IPs and credentials instead of host entries. Five coupled settings define the N-S network model. The Oper...