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Software-defined networking with Windows Server 2016

Virtual Cables

Article from ADMIN 38/2017

By Thomas Joos

Windows Server 2016 takes a big step toward software-defined networking, with the Network Controller server role handling the centralized management, monitoring, and configuration of network devices and virtual networks. This service can also be controlled with PowerShell and is particularly interesting for Hyper-V infrastructures.

The Network Controller needs to provide the same functionality for both physical and virtual networks as the "IP address management" role service for the management of IP addresses in the network. The difference is that the Network Controller can also centrally manage devices, software, and network appliances from third-party manufacturers. Microsoft has integrated and further enhanced Azure features in Windows Server 2016 for this purpose. In an optimally configured environment, the Network Controller can even provide a kind of software firewall for data centers, including various guidelines, rules, and controls.

In addition to the Network Controller, Microsoft also has expanded the Hyper-V network virtualization (HNV) features significantly. The new switch-embedded teaming (SET) function in Hyper-V on Windows Server 2016 can be used to assign multiple physical network adapters to a virtual switch without having to create a team beforehand. HNV and SET can, of course, also be monitored and managed using the Network Controller, together with System Center Virtual Machine Manager (SCVMM).

Particularly in larger environments, Hyper-V networks comprise numerous VMs, many virtual switches, and various network adapters that connect the hosts to the network. The VMs use virtual network adapters to communicate with the virtual Hyper-V switch, which in turn uses network teams that ultimately communicate with the physical adapters on the host. The physical adapters are connected to physical switches, routers, and firewalls. Special features include quality of service (QoS), HNV, and others.

Clearly, managing virtual networks is becoming more and more extensive, which is exactly where the Network Controller comes into play. Its purpose is to bring order to chaos and to manage and monitor optimally all the components involved. QoS for the various networks obviously plays a role in this area; the individual physical network adapters can be

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