= The virtual switch = Not to be mistaken for [wiki:Documentation/OpenFlow/VartualSwitch vartual switches], virtual switches, or !OpenFlow switches, are a example of the virtualization capabilities of !OpenFlow. They are similar to VLANs in both configuration and behavior but are dictated by !OpenFlow controllers and flow tables. Several virtual switches may exist on a single physical device, or a single virtual switch may encompass a whole switch. In the latter case the switch will just be referred to as an !OpenFlow switch. Each virtual switch may be assigned a controller and a set of flow tables, and are associated with their !OpenFlow VLANs. == Overview == This article covers the following topics: * CLI commands used in virtual switching * Virtual switch setup == CLI Commands == The commands regarding virtual switching will not be found among the usual list of commands when you type `?` at the terminal. This is the list of commands used in virtual switching that is accessible from the CLI: * ''' setvsi ''' - Creates an instance of virtual switch. Comes with parameters. * ''' deletevsi ''' - Deletes an instance of virtual switch. * ''' showswitch ''' - Gives you a list of virtual switches running on your switch. * ''' showflow ''' - Gives you information about the flow tables applied to the virtual switches. == Setup == The following list can be followed as a guideline for setting up virtual switches. 1. Disable spanning tree protocol 1. Create VLANs 1. Assign ports to VLANs 1. Use `setvsi` to create virtual switches from the ports assigned to VLANs == Example setup == VLANs not associated with virtual switches will behave as regular switches.