SCS Connect: AI-powered operations tools – an OVN analyser for OpenStack as a case study
SCS Connect is our webinar series about SCS – with exciting topics ranging from technical insights and practical applications to tips on certification. The webinars are open to everyone and offer space for questions and discussion.
📅 Next webinar: 22 September 2026, 3.00 pm–4.00 pm
🎙️Speaker: Christian Berendt (founder OSISM)
💡Topic: AI-powered operations tools – an OVN analyser for OpenStack as a case study
With OVN (Open Virtual Networking), the truth about a Neutron network lies in the northbound and southbound databases. In practice, troubleshooting there means using `ovn-nbctl`, `ovn-sbctl` and `ovs-vsctl`, manually piecing together UUIDs across multiple hosts and working out the connections in your head.
In the first part of the webinar, Christian „Northwatch“ – an analyser that connects directly to NB, SB and Open vSwitch, keeps both databases in memory in real time and generates a unified view from them. This includes searching across both databases by IP, MAC or UUID, the correlation of intent and implementation (Logical_Switch_Port, Port_Binding, Chassis), topology visualisation, snapshots including diffs and offline replay, as well as the enrichment of UUIDs with Neutron names. Using specific examples – such as unbound ports, outdated entries or divergent flows – it becomes clear which CLI sessions this renders redundant.
The second part focuses on the tool’s development history: from the initial idea, through a README as the earliest artefact, to planning, architectural decisions and implementation using Claude Code – including an honest assessment of what worked well, where domain knowledge remained indispensable, and what this means for the cost-effectiveness of niche tools in operation.
The webinar will be held in German.
We look forward to exchanging ideas with you!