The OpenFlow protocol is driven by ONF (Open Networking Foundation), a leader in software-defined networking (SDN). The OpenFlow protocol encompasses three essential components of an SDN framework:

A physical OpenFlow switch.
A virtual OpenFlow switch to manage virtual machines.
An OpenFlow controller, to organize all network pieces.

The Pica8 PicOS software supports features in OpenFlow 1.0 / OpenFlow 1.1 / OpenFlow1.2 / OpenFlow 1.3.x and OpenFlow 1.4. The details of feature supports in OpenFlow1.3.0 and OpenFlow 1.4.0 please see PicOS Support for OpenFlow 1.3.0 and PicOS Support for OpenFlow 1.4.0.

The following websites provide detailed information on Open vSwitch and the OpenFlow protocol.

Open vSwitch: http://openvswitch.org
OpenFlow: http://www.opennetworking.org/sdn-resources/openflow

PicOS can run in two different modes:

OVS (Open vSwitch) mode: In this mode, PicOS is dedicated and optimized for Openflow applications.
L2/L3 (Layer 2/Layer 3) mode: In this mode, PicOS can run switching and routing protocols, as well as OpenFlow applications

In OVS mode, L2/L3 daemons are not running; the system is fully dedicated to Openflow and OVS.

In L2/L3 mode, L2/L3 daemons are running, but OVS can also be activated if Crossflow Mode Introduction is activated.

This chapter assumes that the PicOS OVS mode is active. Please see PICOS Mode Selection to modify the PicOS mode.

OpenFlow Support Matrix

Introduction to Open vSwitch

Introduction to OpenFlow

OVS Web User Interface

Configuring Open vSwitch

Examples and Topologies

PICOS OpenFlow Tutorials

Feature Supported in PicOS OVS

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