Openflow version negotiation issue with ICX7150 and VIP SDN controller

[larsrikart]

We have a ICX7150 (latest hybrid firmware) integration issue with Sony Nevion VideoIPath SDN controller when using openflow, and they have seen a similar issue with a different switch vendor in the past. In that case, our R&D team rejected the request and the switch vendor said they would look into improving their firmware.

The issue was related to the version negotiation. VIP is sending hello in version 1.4 and ICX is sending hello in version 1.3. VIP then continue to send commands in 1.3 version since that is the lowest version. However, ICX is then responding with an error saying it does not support 1.4 and disconnecting. (seen in tcpdump of communication)

It could be related to bitmap. Note that bitmap is an optional information in the openflow negotiation. If the bitmap is not used the lowest of the hello message should be used, which is how it is implemented in the VIP driver.

Any idea if there is a workaround in ICX7150?