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L2 connection over L3, L2TP or VXLAN?

Noffal
Level 1
Level 1

Hi,

I just thought that between VXLAN and L2TP are same to send Layer 2 transport over L3. What is the major different for these both solution beside the function (L2TP are VPN terms and VXLAN are switching terms)?

Glad to hear your response!

2 Replies 2

M02@rt37
VIP
VIP

Hello @Noffal 

VXLAN and L2TP share the objective of transmitting Layer 2 traffic over Layer 3 networks, but they diverge significantly in their design, target applications, and underlying mechanisms. VXLAN is primarily tailored for data center network virtualization, offering a scalable solution for extending Layer 2 networks across physical network boundaries. It employs MAC-in-UDP encapsulation, encapsulating Layer 2 frames within UDP packets and adding a VXLAN Network Identifier (VNI) to enable a vast number of unique network segments. VXLAN is well-suited for high-performance environments, supporting hardware offloading and scaling effectively in large data center deployments.

In contrast, L2TP finds its niche in VPN services, serving as a means to tunnel Layer 2 traffic over IP networks. Commonly used for remote access and site-to-site connectivity, L2TP operates at the data link layer and encapsulates PPP frames within IP packets. It often integrates with IPsec for encryption, ensuring secure transmission over the tunnel. However, L2TP tends to exhibit lower performance compared to VXLAN, primarily due to additional encapsulation overhead and potential encryption requirements.

The major differences between VXLAN and L2TP extend beyond their primary use cases and encapsulation methods. VXLAN excels in scalability, supporting millions of network segments, while L2TP is more commonly deployed in smaller-scale scenarios. VXLAN is optimized for high-performance environments and data center interconnectivity, whereas L2TP focuses on providing secure connectivity for remote users and branch offices.

Overall, VXLAN and L2TP represent distinct solutions tailored to different networking challenges. VXLAN shines in network virtualization and data center environments, prioritizing scalability and performance, while L2TP serves as a reliable option for VPN deployments, emphasizing security and interoperability over a wide range of network infrastructures.

Best regards
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Vxlan is multi to multi 

L2tp is point to point 

That different make vxlan use intra-DC and l2tp use inter-DC 

Sure l2tp is legacy technology and new like OTV is more better but still some DC use it

MHM