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In the explanation of the data flow for container to container (c2c) networking, step 4 says: Because the packet is an overlay packet, it is sent to the silk-vtep interface on the Diego Cell. This interface is a VXLAN interface.

What does that even mean!??!!? Let’s define some terms.

LAN - Local Area Network - a small network that is usually for connecting personal computers. Each computer in a LAN is able to access data and devices anywhere on the LAN. This means that many users can share devices, such as laser printers, as well as data. (paraphrased from here). Often, used by gamers in LAN parties and by offices.

VLAN - Virtual Local Area Network - a network that appears to be on the same LAN, even though the machines are physically separated. For example, the Pivotal LA and SF (and probably other west coast offices) were on the same VLAN. This allowed Pivots in these offices to SSH onto other machines in the VLAN. But those outside of the VLAN cannot SSH onto machines inside of the VLAN.

VXLAN - Virtual eXtensible Local Area Network - VXLAN was developed to provide the same network services as VLAN does, but with greater extensibility and flexibility. Container to container (c2c) networking uses VXLAN to create the overlay network.

VTEP- VXLAN Tunnel EndPoint - are VXLAN tunnels that encapsulate outgoing overlay traffic into underlay packets and decapsulate incoming underlay packets into overlay packets. The VTEP that c2c uses is called silk-vtep.

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