Multiple provider framework for virtual switch data planes and data plane migration

Abstract

The disclosure relates to technology for supporting a virtual switch to change data plane providers on a framework supporting multiple data plane providers. A processing device receives a request to change a first data plane provider, where the virtual switch is configured with a topology on the first data plane provider to use a flow management protocol. The virtual switch includes network interfaces connected to ports to enable communication among entities attached to the network interfaces by forwarding data packets within a first datapath of the first data plane. In response to the change, the network interfaces are disconnected, the first datapath is removed and a second datapath is created. The virtual switch is then configured to operate with the second datapath while retaining the flow management protocol and the topology, such that the entities communicate by forwarding data packets within the second datapath on the second data plane.