E.3. Using the Native VLAN for Floating IPs

Neutron uses a default empty string for its external bridge mapping. This maps the physical interface to the br-int instead of using br-ex directly. This model allows multiple Floating IP networks using either VLANs or multiple physical connections.

Use the NeutronExternalNetworkBridge parameter in the parameter_defaults section of your network isolation environment file:

  parameter_defaults:
    # Set to "br-ex" when using floating IPs on the native VLAN
    NeutronExternalNetworkBridge: "''"

Using only one Floating IP network on the native VLAN of a bridge means you can optionally set the neutron external bridge. This results in the packets only having to traverse one bridge instead of two, which might result in slightly lower CPU usage when passing traffic over the Floating IP network.

The next section contains changes to the NIC config to put the External network on the native VLAN. If the External network is mapped to br-ex, you can use the External network for Floating IPs in addition to the horizon dashboard, and Public APIs.