Efficient traffic management in overlay network based on hierarchical identifiers

A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing instructions that when executed by a processor of a switch in a site of a network cause the processor to perform a method, the method comprising:

• receiving a first route update via a first tunnel coupling a first switch in a first overlay tunnel fabric of the site, wherein the first route update includes a first set of hierarchical identifiers associated with the first switch, and wherein a respective identifier of the first set of hierarchical identifiers corresponds to a distinct networking hierarchy with respect to the first switch;
• receiving a second route update via a second tunnel coupling a second switch in a second overlay tunnel fabric of the site, wherein the second route update includes a second set of hierarchical identifiers associated with the second switch, wherein encapsulation of a packet sent via an overlay tunnel fabric is initiated and terminated within the overlay tunnel fabric;
• receiving a packet via a tunnel;
• and
• determining whether to forward the packet to the first switch and the second switch based on the first and second sets of hierarchical identifiers, respectively.

A computer system, comprising:

• a processor;
• a memory device;
• a first communication port to receive a first route update via a first tunnel coupling a first switch in a first overlay tunnel fabric of a site of a network, wherein the first route update includes a first set of hierarchical identifiers associated with the first switch, and wherein a respective identifier of the first set of hierarchical identifiers corresponds to a distinct networking hierarchy with respect to the first switch;
• a second communication port to receive a second route update via a second tunnel coupling a second switch in a second overlay tunnel fabric of the site, wherein the second route update includes a second set of hierarchical identifiers associated with the second switch, wherein encapsulation of a packet sent via an overlay tunnel fabric is initiated and terminated within the overlay tunnel fabric;
• and
• control circuitry to:
• determine that a packet is received via a tunnel;
• and
• determine whether to forward the packet to the first switch and the second switch based on the first and second sets of hierarchical identifiers, respectively.