Data Center Interconnect with VXLAN, EVPN: Design and Deployment

Modern business operations demand seamless connectivity, security, and scalable infrastructure across multiple data centers and cloud environments. The evolution of virtualization and distributed applications has shifted the expectations for data center interconnect (DCI) design, making technologies like EVPN-VXLAN central to an organization’s growth and resilience. This article explores how EVPN-VXLAN serves as a foundation for robust, future-proof data center interconnects, and highlights best practices for design and deployment.

The Evolving Landscape of Data Center Interconnect

As organizations increasingly rely on hybrid cloud, virtualization, and multi-tenant architectures, the need for efficient and reliable DCI becomes more pronounced. Traditional Layer 2 extension methods, such as MPLS pseudowires or Spanning Tree, often struggle to keep pace with today’s requirements for flexibility, segmentation, and automation. EVPN-VXLAN emerges as a widely adopted solution, enabling scalable Layer 2 and Layer 3 connectivity across geographically distributed data centers without sacrificing segmentation or operational efficiency.

Core Concepts: VXLAN and EVPN Explained

VXLAN (Virtual Extensible LAN) functions as an overlay protocol, encapsulating Layer 2 frames within Layer 3 UDP packets. This approach dramatically expands the address space, supporting up to 16 million unique network segments (VNIs), compared to the 4,000 VLANs available with traditional Ethernet. Each VNI acts as a logical segment, enabling granular isolation and flexible deployment of services across the network.

EVPN (Ethernet VPN) is the control plane technology that complements VXLAN’s data plane. By leveraging BGP (Border Gateway Protocol) as its signaling mechanism, EVPN distributes MAC and IP address information between data centers. This eliminates the need for traditional flooding-based learning, reduces broadcast traffic, and enables advanced capabilities such as active-active multihoming, MAC mobility, and integrated Layer 2/Layer 3 services.

Designing a Modern Data Center Interconnect with EVPN-VXLAN

A successful DCI deployment using EVPN-VXLAN begins with a clear understanding of business objectives and operational requirements. Below are critical design principles and best practices:

• Underlay/Overlay Separation: The physical (underlay) network provides IP connectivity, while the VXLAN-based overlay delivers logical segmentation and seamless Layer 2 extension. Decoupling these layers maximizes design flexibility and simplifies troubleshooting.
• Scalability and Segmentation: Assigning unique VNIs to applications, tenants, or departments enables granular segmentation, supporting both multi-tenant environments and rapid scaling without rearchitecting the network.
• Resiliency and Redundancy: EVPN’s active-active multihoming and multipath forwarding ensure high availability and fault tolerance, minimizing downtime and supporting business continuity.
• Unified Policy and Automation: By using group-based policies and centralized control, organizations can enforce consistent security, access, and quality of service (QoS) rules across sites, reducing operational complexity.
• Interoperability and Open Standards: EVPN-VXLAN is standards-based and widely supported, facilitating integration between equipment from multiple vendors and aligning with industry best practices for interoperability and future-proofing.

Deployment Considerations: From Planning to Operations

When deploying an EVPN-VXLAN-based DCI, several technical and operational factors must be addressed:

• IP Fabric and Spine-Leaf Topology: Modern data centers commonly use spine-leaf architectures, which pair naturally with VXLAN overlays. The IP fabric underlay ensures low latency and high bandwidth between nodes.
• VXLAN Tunnel Endpoints (VTEPs): Physical or virtual devices act as VTEPs, encapsulating and decapsulating VXLAN traffic at the edge of each site. Proper placement and configuration of VTEPs are key to maintaining performance and visibility.
• Integrated Layer 2/Layer 3 Services: EVPN enables seamless bridging and routing between virtual networks, supporting both legacy applications that require Layer 2 adjacency and modern, distributed apps that benefit from Layer 3 segmentation.
• Automation and Orchestration: With increasing network complexity, automation is essential. Leveraging APIs, templates, and orchestration platforms streamlines provisioning, reduces errors, and accelerates deployment.
• Security and Compliance: Microsegmentation, access control policies, and integrated network security features help mitigate risks and support compliance with industry standards.

Best Practices for Scalable and Secure DCI

• Leverage Redundant Paths and Active-Active Multihoming: EVPN’s built-in redundancy ensures uninterrupted service even during failures or maintenance.
• Adopt Group-Based Policy Management: Simplifies policy enforcement and minimizes configuration drift across data centers.
• Employ Monitoring and Analytics: Continuous visibility into overlay and underlay performance, as well as security events, is vital for proactive management.
• Plan for Growth: Choose hardware and software solutions that support future scaling requirements, both in terms of bandwidth and the number of VNIs or VTEPs.

Empowering Data Center Interconnect with Enterprise-Grade Infrastructure

A high-performing DCI depends on reliable, high-quality infrastructure. Providers like Dataplugs deliver the foundation required for modern DCI deployments, offering enterprise-grade servers, resilient fiber connectivity, and a global network with direct connections to key markets in Asia and beyond. Dataplugs’ infrastructure is optimized for low latency, high throughput, and secure operations—supporting both dedicated and cloud-hosted workloads.

With Dataplugs, you benefit from:

• Premium hardware from trusted brands including Dell, Supermicro, AMD, Intel, and more
• 24/7/365 onsite technical support by experienced engineers
• Advanced DDoS protection and comprehensive network security features
• Direct connections to Mainland China and major global destinations via multiple Tier-1 ISPs

Through a combination of premium hardware, advanced DDoS protection, and round-the-clock expert support, Dataplugs enables organizations to confidently deploy and operate EVPN-VXLAN-based data center interconnects. This supports seamless business expansion, reliable disaster recovery, and the agility needed to meet changing market needs.

Conclusion

The combination of EVPN and VXLAN has redefined the possibilities for data center interconnect, delivering efficient, scalable, and secure connectivity across distributed environments. By understanding the design principles, deployment strategies, and operational best practices, organizations can unlock new levels of agility and resilience. Investing in a trusted infrastructure partner ensures not only technical excellence but also the ongoing support required to keep critical services connected and secure in a dynamic digital landscape.

For tailored advice or to discuss your data center interconnect needs, reach out to Dataplugs via live chat or at sales@dataplugs.com to explore how a robust, future-ready network can accelerate your business.