Virtualization: What is difference between overlay and underlay network ?

Question

One server may have support of limited number of physical interfaces. What if there is need of more Ethernet interfaces but physical slots are not available ?

Answer 1

Network overlays is the latest solution to meet these demands, infact this technology can speed configuration of new or existing services However , 1st we need to understand how Underlay Network is different from Underlay Network which IT industry has known for years.

Underlay Network is physical infrastructure above which overlay network is built. It is the underlying network responsible for delivery of packets across networks.

An Overlay Network is a virtual network that is built on top of an underlying network infrastructure (Underlay Network). Actually, “Underlay” provides a “service” to the overlay

Below table will further elaborate the difference between “Underlay Network” and “Overlay Network” as below –