An example method for network-assisted configuration and programming of gateways in a network environment is provided and includes registering a non-Virtual eXtensible Local Area Network (VXLAN) device with a central controller, for example, by generating registration information associating the non-VXLAN device with a virtual local area network (VLAN) in a network environment, receiving a communication request from a VXLAN enabled device to communicate with the non-VXLAN device, mapping, based on the registration information, a VXLAN segment corresponding to the VXLAN enabled device with the VLAN associated with the non-VXLAN device, and configuring a gateway with the mapping through a suitable application programming interface exposed at the gateway.