Patent ID: 8407366

Claim:
One or more computer-readable memory having computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method for managing distribution of data packets between a plurality of members of a virtual network (V-net) that are isolated from other machines on a network, the method comprising: providing a first V-net that comprises the plurality of members running, in part, within at least one data center, wherein the plurality of members include an originating network adapter and a destination network adapter; detecting the originating network adapter attempting to transmit one or more data packets to the destination network adapter, wherein the one or more data packets are structured with a header that includes a target identifier of the destination network adapter; performing a resolution process that comprises: (a) accessing a forwarding table that is associated with the first V-net; and (b) discovering a locator of a destination-side VM switch, listed in the forwarding table, that corresponds to the target identifier; encapsulating the one or more data packets to include the locator of destination-side-VM-switch locator within an expanded header; and directing the one or more encapsulated data packets from a source-side VM switch to the destination-side VM switch using the destination-side-VM-switch locator within the expanded header.