VXLAN on AI VOID

Chapter 4: VLANs in the Data Center: VXLAN, EVPN, and DCI

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Introduction

In the preceding chapters, we explored the foundational concepts of Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and their crucial role in segmenting local area networks. We delved into VLAN tagging (IEEE 802.1Q), trunking, and inter-VLAN routing, establishing a solid understanding of VLANs in traditional enterprise and campus environments. However, the modern data center, with its demands for massive scalability, multi-tenancy, workload mobility, and cloud integration, presents unique challenges that traditional VLANs struggle to address effectively.

Chapter 11: Zero Trust and Micro-Segmentation with VLANs/VXLAN

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

11.1 Introduction

In an increasingly complex and threat-laden digital landscape, traditional perimeter-based security models are no longer sufficient. The rise of sophisticated cyberattacks, insider threats, and hybrid cloud architectures demands a more robust and adaptable security posture. This is where Zero Trust security principles and micro-segmentation emerge as indispensable strategies.

This chapter delves into the application of Zero Trust principles within network design, focusing on how VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) and VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) facilitate powerful micro-segmentation. We will explore the technical underpinnings of these technologies, their architectural implications, and practical implementation across multi-vendor environments.

Chapter 18: Building a Secure Multi-Tenant Data Center with VXLAN/EVPN

Sat, 24 Jan 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Chapter 18: Building a Secure Multi-Tenant Data Center with VXLAN/EVPN

18.1 Introduction

The demands of modern cloud computing, virtualization, and containerization have pushed traditional VLAN-based data center architectures to their limits. The explosion of applications and services requires network infrastructure that is highly scalable, agile, and capable of securely isolating multiple tenants or business units on a shared physical network.

This chapter delves into Virtual Extensible LAN (VXLAN) with EVPN (Ethernet VPN) as the control plane, a transformative technology stack for building next-generation multi-tenant data centers. We will explore how VXLAN extends Layer 2 segmentation beyond the limitations of VLANs, and how EVPN provides an intelligent, scalable control plane for discovering and distributing Layer 2 (MAC) and Layer 3 (IP) reachability information across the data center fabric.