Layer 2 Connect

The Layer 2 Connect service allows you to establish a direct Layer 2 Ethernet path between two or more DC Ports within the Wanscale Platform. This enables seamless, transparent connectivity for extending VLANs across different physical locations without the need for Layer 3 routing.

By utilizing Layer 2 Connect, you can maintain the same broadcast domain across multiple datacenters, making it ideal for stretched clusters, legacy application requirements, or simplified workload migrations.

Prerequisites

Before deploying a Layer 2 Connect, ensure you have:

• Two or more DC Ports available to facilitate the connection. See DC Port.

Overview

The overview is a lean status and inventory page. You see the service, its ports, and what still needs attention.

Click Actions for Edit interface and Manage ports.

Provisioning Workflow

The diagram below outlines the lifecycle of creating a Layer 2 Connect:

flowchart LR
    A(Order DC Ports) --> B(Create Layer 2 Connect in Control Center) --> C(Assign DC Ports and VLANs) --> D(Deploy Changes) --> E(Link active)

    %% Custom style for nodes
    style A fill:#d2e072
    style B fill:#34ebb1
    style C fill:#34ebb1
    style D fill:#34ebb1
    style E fill:#34ebb1

Ordering a Layer 2 Connect

1. Navigate to the Home page of the Wanscale Platform.
2. Click the Add Service button.
3. Select L2 Connect from the service list.
4. Click Go to service form.
5. Complete the following fields in the service form:
   • Label: Enter a unique name for the Layer 2 Connect service.
   • Tags (Optional): Add metadata for internal organization.
   • Interface Speed: Set the speed for the Layer 2 Connect
   • MTU Size: Set the MTU size for the Layer 2 Connect
   • QinQ: Toggle this setting if you are going to use Vlans within this Layer 2 Connect. (802.1ad)
   • Redundancy Mode: Select the redundancy mode for the Layer 2 Connect
     • Single: You can only select DC Ports from Availability Zone A
       • Port Assignment: Select the DC Ports from Availability Zone A that will participate in this Layer 2 path.
     • Redundant: You can select DC Ports from Availability Zone A and B
       • Port Assignment: Select the DC Ports from Availability Zone A that will participate in this Layer 2 path.
       • Redundancy ports: Select the DC Ports from Availability Zone B that will participate in this Layer 2 path.
   • VLAN Configuration:
     • Specify the VLAN ID if you require tagged traffic (dot1q). Leave empty for untagged traffic.
     • When QinQ is enabled, each port you add requires a VLAN ID. Control Center shows: VLAN ID is required when QinQ is enabled.
6. Click Submit.

Technical Considerations