The Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) technology virtualizes multiple physical devices at the same layer into one virtual fabric to provide data center class availability and scalability. IRF virtualization technology offers processing power, interaction, unified management, and uninterrupted maintenance of multiple devices.

IRF network model

Figure 1 shows an IRF fabric that has two devices, which appear as a single node to the upper-layer and lower-layer devices.

Figure 1 IRF application scenario

As shown in Figure 2, Device A and Device B form a two-chassis IRF fabric. The fabric has four MPUs (one active and three standbys), and two times the number of interface modules that a single device provides. The IRF fabric manages the physical and software resources of Device A and Device B in a centralized manner.

Figure 2 Two-chassis IRF fabric implementation schematic diagram

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IRF benefits

IRF provides the following benefits:

· Simplified topology and easy management—An IRF fabric appears as one node and is accessible at a single IP address on the network. You can use this IP address to log in at any member device to manage all the members of the IRF fabric. In addition, you do not need to run the spanning tree feature among the IRF members.

· 1:N redundancy—In an IRF fabric, one member acts as the master to manage and control the entire IRF fabric. All the other members process services while backing up the master. When the master fails, all the other member devices elect a new master from among them to take over without interrupting services.

· IRF link aggregation—You can assign several physical links between neighboring members to their IRF ports to create a load-balanced aggregate IRF connection with redundancy.

· Multichassis link aggregation—You can use the Ethernet link aggregation feature to aggregate the physical links between the IRF fabric and its upstream or downstream devices across the IRF members.

· Network scalability and resiliency—Processing capacity of an IRF fabric equals the total processing capacities of all the members. You can increase ports, network bandwidth, and processing capacity of an IRF fabric simply by adding member devices without changing the network topology.

Basic concepts

Operating mode

The device operates in one of the following modes:

· Standalone mode—The device cannot form an IRF fabric with other devices.

· IRF mode—The device can form an IRF fabric with other devices.

IRF member roles

IRF uses two member roles: master and standby (called subordinate throughout the documentation).

When devices form an IRF fabric, they elect a master to manage and control the IRF fabric, and all the other devices back up the master. When the master device fails, the other devices automatically elect a new master. For more information about master election, see "Master election."

IRF member ID

An IRF fabric uses member IDs to uniquely identify and manage its members. This member ID information is included as the first part of interface numbers and file paths to uniquely identify interfaces and files in an IRF fabric. Two devices cannot form an IRF fabric if they use the same member ID. A device cannot join an IRF fabric if its member ID has been used in the fabric.

MPU roles

Each IRF member device has one or two MPUs. The following are MPU roles:

Role	Description
Master MPU	Active MPU of the master device. It is also called the global active MPU. You configure and manage the entire IRF fabric at the CLI of the global active MPU.
Active MPU	Active MPU on each member device. An active MPU performs the following tasks: · Manages the local device, including synchronizing configuration with the local standby MPU, processing protocol packets, and creating and maintaining route entries. · Processes IRF-related events, such as master election and topology collection.
Standby MPU	From the perspective of the entire IRF fabric, all MPUs except for the global active MPU are global standby MPUs. If a member device has two MPUs, the MPU backing up the local active MPU is the local standby MPU from the perspective of the member device.

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Member priority

Member priority determines the possibility of a member device to be elected the master. A member with higher priority is more likely to be elected the master.

IRF port

An IRF port is a logical interface that connects IRF member devices. Every IRF-capable device has two IRF ports.

In standalone mode, the IRF ports are named IRF-port 1 and IRF-port 2.

In IRF mode, the IRF ports are named IRF-port n/1 and IRF-port n/2, where n is the member ID of the device. The two IRF ports are referred to as IRF-port 1 and IRF-port 2.

To use an IRF port, you must bind a minimum of one physical interface to it. The physical interfaces assigned to an IRF port automatically form an aggregate IRF link. An IRF port goes down when all its IRF physical interfaces are down.

IRF physical interface

IRF physical interfaces connect IRF member devices and must be bound to an IRF port. They forward traffic between member devices, including IRF protocol packets and data packets that must travel across IRF member devices.

IRF split

IRF split occurs when an IRF fabric breaks up into multiple IRF fabrics because of IRF link failures, as shown in Figure 3. The split IRF fabrics operate with the same IP address. IRF split causes routing and forwarding problems on the network. To quickly detect a multi-active collision, configure a minimum of one MAD mechanism (see "Configuring MAD").

Figure 3 IRF split

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IRF merge

IRF merge occurs when two split IRF fabrics reunite or when two independent IRF fabrics are united, as shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4 IRF merge

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MAD

An IRF link failure causes an IRF fabric to split in two IRF fabrics operating with the same Layer 3 settings, including the same IP address. To avoid IP address collision and network problems, IRF uses multi-active detection (MAD) mechanisms to detect the presence of multiple identical IRF fabrics, handle collisions, and recover from faults.

IRF domain ID

One IRF fabric forms one IRF domain. IRF uses IRF domain IDs to uniquely identify IRF fabrics and prevent IRF fabrics from interfering with one another.

As shown in Figure 5, IRF fabric 1 contains Device A and Device B, and IRF fabric 2 contains Device C and Device D. Both fabrics use the LACP aggregate links between them for MAD. When a member device receives an extended LACPDU for MAD, it checks the domain ID to determine whether the packet is from the local IRF fabric. Then, the member device can handle the packet correctly.

Figure 5 A network that contains two IRF domains

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IRF network topology

IMPORTANT:

When you set up an IRF fabric, make sure the links in any of the following lists have the same bandwidth as the links in the same list:

· The bandwidth of each IRF physical link attached to the same IRF port.

· The bandwidth of each IRF aggregate link attached to the IRF ports on the same IRF member device.

· The bandwidth of each IRF aggregate link attached to the IRF ports connecting two member devices.

If the bandwidths do not meet the requirements, packet loss might occur for the traffic forwarded across member devices.

In the current software version, an S7500X-G IRF fabric can only use a daisy-chain topology as shown in Figure 6.

Figure 6 Daisy-chain topology

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Master election

Master election occurs each time the IRF fabric topology changes in the following situations:

· The IRF fabric is established.

· The master device fails or is removed.

· The IRF fabric splits.

· Independent IRF fabrics merge.

NOTE:

Master election does not occur when split IRF fabrics merge. For information about the master device of the merged IRF fabric, see "Failure recovery."

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Master election selects a master in descending order:

1. Current master, even if a new member has higher priority.

When an IRF fabric is being formed, all members consider themselves as the master. This rule is skipped.

2. Member with higher priority.

3. Member with the longest system uptime.

Two members are considered to start up at the same time if the difference between their startup times is equal to or less than 10 minutes. For these members, the next tiebreaker applies.

4. Member with the lowest CPU MAC address.

For the setup of a new IRF fabric, the subordinate devices must reboot to complete the setup after the master election.

For an IRF merge, devices must reboot if they are in the IRF fabric that fails the master election.

Interface naming conventions

In standalone mode:

A physical interface is numbered in the slot-number/subslot-number/interface-index format.

For example, set the link type of Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to trunk, as follows:

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet3/0/1] port link-type trunk

In IRF mode:

A physical interface is numbered in the chassis-number/slot-number/subslot-number/interface-index format. The chassis-number argument represents the IRF member ID.

For example, Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/2/0/1 represents the first port in slot 2 on member device 1. Set its link type to trunk, as follows:

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] interface ten-gigabitethernet 1/2/0/1

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/2/0/1] port link-type trunk

File system naming conventions

In standalone mode, you can use the storage device name to access the file system of the active MPU. To access the file system of the standby MPU, use the name in the slotslot-number#storage-device-name format.

On a multichassis IRF fabric, you can use the storage device name to access the file system of the global active MPU. To access the file system of a global standby MPU, use the name in the chassismember-ID#slotslot-number#storage-device-name format.

For more information about storage device naming conventions, see Fundamentals Configuration Guide.

For example:

· To create and access the test folder under the root directory of the flash memory on the global active MPU:

<Master> mkdir test

Creating directory flash:/test... Done.

<Master> cd test

<Master> dir

Directory of flash:/test

The directory is empty.

524288 KB total (29832 KB free)

· To create and access the test folder under the root directory of the flash memory in slot 0 on member device 1:

<Master> mkdir chassis1#slot0#flash:/test

Creating directory chassis1#slot0#flash:/test... Done.

<Master> cd chassis1#slot0#flash:/test

<Master> dir

Directory of chassis1#slot0#flash:/test

The directory is empty.

524288 KB total (128812 KB free)

Configuration synchronization

IRF uses a strict configuration synchronization mechanism to make sure all member devices operate as if they were one device. When the master device fails, the remaining devices can still operate correctly to provide services.

The configuration synchronization mechanism has two phases: bulk sync at startup and real-time sync during operation.

5. Bulk sync—Occurs when a device starts up in the following situations:

¡ The device reboots to join the IRF fabric as a new subordinate device.

In this situation, the device takes the following actions:

- Pulls and loads the running configuration from the global active MPU to all its local MPUs.

- Loads the IRF member description, priority, and IRF port bindings locally configured for it by using the irf member description, irf member priority, and irf-port commands, respectively, to all its local MPUs.

- Pushes its IRF member description, priority, and IRF port bindings to the master device.

The configuration files on the device are retained, but they do not take effect.

The device uses its own startup configuration files only after it is removed from the IRF fabric.

¡ The entire IRF fabric reboots.

In this situation, all member devices in the IRF reboot simultaneously. The subordinate devices pull the startup configuration file from the global active MPU and then extract the configuration from the file to run in memory of their local MPUs.

6. Real-time sync—Occurs while the IRF fabric is operating.

In this situation, the system takes the following actions:

¡ Saves all configuration changes you make to the running configuration on the global active MPU.

¡ Pushes the configuration changes to all MPUs on each subordinate device in real time.

Bulk sync and real-time sync ensure that all MPUs in an IRF fabric run the same configuration. When the master device or the global active MPU fails, the remaining member devices can still operate as configured.

To prevent configuration loss upon reboot of the IRF fabric, save configuration changes to all MPUs by using the save all command while the IRF fabric is operating.

Multi-active handling procedure

The multi-active handling procedure includes detection, collision handling, and failure recovery.

Detection

IRF provides MAD mechanisms by extending LACP, BFD, ARP, and IPv6 ND to detect multi-active collisions. As a best practice, configure a minimum of one MAD mechanism on an IRF fabric. For more information about the MAD mechanisms and their application scenarios, see "MAD mechanisms."

For information about LACP, see Ethernet link aggregation in Layer 2—LAN Switching Configuration Guide. For information about BFD, see High Availability Configuration Guide. For information about ARP, see Layer 3—IP Services Configuration Guide. For information about ND, see IPv6 basics in Layer 3—IP Services Configuration Guide.

Collision handling

When detecting a multi-active collision, MAD disables all IRF fabrics except one from forwarding data traffic by placing them in Recovery state. The IRF fabrics placed in Recovery state are called inactive IRF fabrics. The IRF fabric that continues to forward traffic is called the active IRF fabric.

BFD MAD and LACP MAD use the following process to handle a multi-active collision:

1. Compare the health states of split fabrics.‍ To view their health states, use the display system health command. For more information about this command, see device management in Fundamentals Command Reference.

2. Set all fabrics to the Recovery state except the healthiest one.

3. Compare the number of members in each fabric if all IRF fabrics are in the same health state.

4. Set all fabrics to the Recovery state except the one that has the most members.

5. Compare the member IDs of their masters if all IRF fabrics have the same number of members.

6. Set all fabrics to the Recovery state except the one that has the lowest numbered master.

7. Shut down all common network interfaces in the Recovery-state fabrics except for the following interfaces:

¡ Interfaces automatically excluded from being shut down by the system.

¡ Interfaces specified by using the mad exclude interface command.

ARP MAD and ND MAD use the following process to handle a multi-active collision:

1. Compare the health states of split fabrics. To view their health states, use the display system health command. For more information about this command, see device management in Fundamentals Command Reference.

2. Set all fabrics to the Recovery state except the healthiest one.

3. Compare the member IDs of the masters in the IRF fabrics if all IRF fabrics have the same health state.

4. Set all fabrics to the Recovery state except the one that has the lowest numbered master.

5. Shut down all common network interfaces in the Recovery-state fabrics except for the following interfaces:

¡ Interfaces automatically excluded from being shut down by the system.

¡ Interfaces specified by using the mad exclude interface command.

Failure recovery

To merge two split IRF fabrics, first repair the failed IRF link and remove the IRF link failure.

After the failed IRF link between two split IRF fabrics is recovered, log in to the inactive IRF fabric to reboot its member devices if the system requires you to do so. After these member devices join the active IRF fabric as subordinate devices, the IRF merge is complete, as shown in Figure 7. The network interfaces that have been shut down by MAD automatically restore their original state.

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CAUTION:

If you inadvertently reboot the active IRF fabric after the failed IRF link recovers, its member devices will join the inactive IRF fabric with their network interfaces being shut down by MAD. To restore the original states of the network interfaces in the merged IRF fabric, use the mad restore command.

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NOTE:

If the IRF auto-merge feature is enabled, the inactive IRF member devices will automatically reboot after the failed IRF link recovers and a manual reboot is typically not required.

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Figure 7 Recovering the IRF fabric

If the active IRF fabric fails before the IRF link is recovered (see Figure 8), use the mad restore command on the inactive IRF fabric to recover the inactive IRF fabric. This command brings up all network interfaces that were shut down by MAD. After the IRF link is repaired, merge the two parts into a unified IRF fabric.

Figure 8 Active IRF fabric fails before the IRF link is recovered

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MAD mechanisms

IRF provides MAD mechanisms by extending LACP, BFD, ARP, and IPv6 ND.

Table 1 compares the MAD mechanisms and their application scenarios.

Table 1 Comparison of MAD mechanisms

MAD mechanism	Advantages	Disadvantages	Application scenarios
LACP MAD	· Detection speed is fast. · Runs on existing aggregate links without requiring MAD-dedicated physical links or Layer 3 interfaces.	Requires an intermediate device that supports extended LACP for MAD.	Link aggregation is used between the IRF fabric and its upstream or downstream device.
BFD MAD	· Detection speed is fast. · Intermediate device, if used, can come from any vendor.	Requires MAD dedicated physical links and Layer 3 interfaces, which cannot be used for transmitting user traffic.	· No special requirements for network scenarios. · If no intermediate device is used, this mechanism is only suitable for IRF fabrics that have only two members that are geographically close to one another.
ARP MAD	· No intermediate device is required. · Intermediate device, if used, can come from any vendor. · Does not require MAD dedicated ports.	· Detection speed is slower than BFD MAD and LACP MAD. · The spanning tree feature must be enabled if common Ethernet ports are used for ARP MAD links.	Spanning tree-enabled non-link aggregation IPv4 network scenarios if common Ethernet ports are used.
ND MAD	· No intermediate device is required. · Intermediate device, if used, can come from any vendor. · Does not require MAD dedicated ports.	· Detection speed is slower than BFD MAD and LACP MAD. · The spanning tree feature must be enabled if common Ethernet ports are used for ND MAD links.	Spanning tree-enabled non-link aggregation IPv6 network scenarios if common Ethernet ports are used.

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LACP MAD

As shown in Figure 9, LACP MAD has the following requirements:

· Every IRF member must have a link with an intermediate device.

· All the links form a dynamic link aggregation group.

· The intermediate device must be a device that supports extended LACP for MAD.

The IRF member devices send extended LACPDUs that convey a domain ID and an active ID (the member ID of the master). The intermediate device transparently forwards the extended LACPDUs received from one member device to all the other member devices.

· If the domain IDs and active IDs sent by all the member devices are the same, the IRF fabric is integrated.

· If the extended LACPDUs convey the same domain ID but different active IDs, a split has occurred. LACP MAD handles this situation as described in "Collision handling."

Figure 9 LACP MAD scenario

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BFD MAD

BFD MAD detects multi-active collisions by using BFD.

You can use common or management Ethernet ports for BFD MAD.

If management Ethernet ports are used, BFD MAD has the following requirements:

· Use an intermediate device and make sure each IRF member device has a BFD MAD link to the intermediate device.

· Assign each member device a MAD IP address on the master's management Ethernet port.

If common Ethernet ports are used, BFD MAD has the following requirements:

· If an intermediate device is used, each member device must have a BFD MAD link to the intermediate device. If no intermediate device is used, all member devices must have a BFD MAD link to each other.

· Assign all ports on the BFD MAD links to the same VLAN. Assign each member device a MAD IP address on the VLAN interface.

When you use BFD MAD, follow these restrictions and guidelines:

· As a best practice, use an intermediate device to connect IRF member devices if the IRF fabric has more than two member devices. A full mesh of IRF members might cause broadcast loops.

· As a best practice to avoid failure of service modules that provide BFD MAD ports from affecting BFD MAD, preferentially use management Ethernet ports for BFD MAD.

· The BFD MAD links and BFD MAD VLAN must be dedicated. Do not use the BFD MAD links or BFD MAD VLAN for any other purposes.

· As a best practice, use an intermediate device to connect IRF member devices if the IRF fabric has more than two member devices. A full mesh of IRF members might cause broadcast loops.

NOTE:

· The MAD addresses identify the member devices and must belong to the same subnet.

· Of all management Ethernet ports on an IRF fabric, only the master's management Ethernet port is accessible.

Figure 10 shows a typical BFD MAD scenario that uses an intermediate device. On the intermediate device, assign the ports on the BFD MAD links to the same VLAN.

Figure 11 shows a typical BFD MAD scenario that does not use an intermediate device.

With BFD MAD, the master attempts to establish BFD sessions with other member devices by using its MAD IP address as the source IP address.

· If the IRF fabric is integrated, only the MAD IP address of the master takes effect. The master cannot establish a BFD session with any other member. If you execute the display bfd session command, the state of the BFD sessions is Down.

· When the IRF fabric splits, the IP addresses of the masters in the split IRF fabrics take effect. The masters can establish a BFD session. If you execute the display bfd session command, the state of the BFD session between the two devices is Up.

Figure 10 BFD MAD scenario with an intermediate device

Figure 11 BFD MAD scenario without an intermediate device

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ARP MAD

ARP MAD detects multi-active collisions by using extended ARP packets that convey the IRF domain ID and the active ID.

You can use common or management Ethernet ports for ARP MAD.

If management Ethernet ports are used, ARP MAD must work with an intermediate device. Make sure the following requirements are met:

· Connect a management Ethernet port on each member device to the intermediate device.

· On the intermediate device, you must assign the ports used for ARP MAD to the same VLAN.

If common Ethernet ports are used, ARP MAD can work with or without an intermediate device. Make sure the following requirements are met:

· If an intermediate device is used, connect each IRF member device to the intermediate device, as shown in Figure 12. Run the spanning tree feature between the IRF fabric and the intermediate device. In this situation, data links can be used.

· If no intermediate device is used, connect each IRF member device to all other member devices. In this situation, IRF links cannot be used for ARP MAD.

Each IRF member compares the domain ID and the active ID (the member ID of the master) in incoming extended ARP packets with its domain ID and active ID.

· If the domain IDs are different, the extended ARP packet is from a different IRF fabric. The device does not continue to process the packet with the MAD mechanism.

· If the domain IDs are the same, the device compares the active IDs.

¡ If the active IDs are different, the IRF fabric has split.

¡ If the active IDs are the same, the IRF fabric is integrated.

Figure 12 ARP MAD scenario

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ND MAD

ND MAD detects multi-active collisions by using NS packets to transmit the IRF domain ID and the active ID.

You can use common or management Ethernet ports for ND MAD.

If management Ethernet ports are used, ND MAD must work with an intermediate device. Make sure the following requirements are met:

· Connect a management Ethernet port on each member device to the intermediate device.

· On the intermediate device, you must assign the ports used for ND MAD to the same VLAN.

If common Ethernet ports are used, ND MAD can work with or without an intermediate device. Make sure the following requirements are met:

· If an intermediate device is used, connect each IRF member device to the intermediate device, as shown in Figure 13. Run the spanning tree feature between the IRF fabric and the intermediate device. In this situation, data links can be used.

· If no intermediate device is used, connect each IRF member device to all other member devices. In this situation, IRF links cannot be used for ND MAD.

Each IRF member device compares the domain ID and the active ID (the member ID of the master) in incoming NS packets with its domain ID and active ID.

· If the domain IDs are different, the NS packet is from a different IRF fabric. The device does not continue to process the packet with the MAD mechanism.

· If the domain IDs are the same, the device compares the active IDs.

¡ If the active IDs are different, the IRF fabric has split.

¡ If the active IDs are the same, the IRF fabric is integrated.

Figure 13 ND MAD scenario

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Restrictions and guidelines: IRF configuration

Hardware compatibility with IRF

A switch from this series can form an IRF fabric only with switches of the same model.

Make sure all IRF member devices in the IRF fabric use the same model of MPUs.

Software requirements for IRF

All IRF member devices must run the same software image version. Make sure the software auto-update feature is enabled on all member devices.

IRF fabric size

An IRF fabric can contain a maximum of two member devices.

Candidate IRF physical interfaces

The following ports can be used as IRF physical interfaces:

· 10-GE fiber ports.

· 25-GE fiber ports.

· 40-GE fiber ports.

· 100-GE fiber ports.

In some versions, 25-GE ports on SF interface modules cannot act as IRF physical ports when they operate at a speed of 25 Gbps. To identify whether an SF interface module on a device can act as an IRF physical port, execute the display device verbose command, and then view the Switch chip version field. If the SF interface module cannot act as an IRF physical port, this field displays 000 or 001. For more information about the display device verbose command, see device management configuration in Fundamentals Configuration Guide.

Transceiver modules and cables selection for IRF

As a best practice, use transceiver modules and fibers to connect fiber ports for a long-distance connection. The transceiver modules at the two ends of an IRF link must be the same type.

If ports on an MPU, an SD interface module, or an SC interface module of the LSCM2 series are used as IRF physical interfaces, you must use transceiver modules and fibers to connect the ports. DAC cables are not supported.

Support for transceiver modules varies by port type.

For more information about the transceiver modules and cables, see the device installation guide and H3C Transceiver Modules User Guide.

NOTE:

The transceiver modules and cables available for the device are subject to change over time. For the most up-to-date list of transceiver modules and cables, contact your H3C sales representative.

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IRF port connection

When you connect two neighboring IRF members, follow these restrictions and guidelines:

· You must connect the physical interfaces of IRF-port 1 on one member to the physical interfaces of IRF-port 2 on the other.

· For high availability, bind multiple physical interfaces to an IRF port. You can bind a maximum of 16 physical interfaces to an IRF port. The IRF port binding operation will fail after the maximum number is reached. A maximum of seven physical interfaces on the same card can be bound to the same IRF port. As a best practice, bind a minimum of two physical interfaces to each IRF port. For high availability, make sure the physical interfaces bound to one IRF port are located on multiple interface modules.

Figure 14 Connecting IRF physical interfaces

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IRF physical interface configuration restrictions and guidelines

Command configuration restrictions

On a physical interface bound to an IRF port, you can execute only the following commands:

· Basic interface commands, including shutdown and description. For more information about these commands, see Ethernet interface commands in Interface Command Reference.

· The flow-interval command, which sets the statistics polling interval on an interface. For more information about this command, see Ethernet interface commands in Interface Command Reference.

· MAC address table configuration commands, including the mac-address static source-check enable command. In a VXLAN or EVPN network, to ensure successful forwarding of Layer 3 traffic across member devices, use the undo mac-address static source-check enable command on each IRF physical interface. For information about this command, see MAC address table commands in Layer 2—LAN Switching Command Reference.

· The mirroring-group reflector-port command, which specifies the physical interface as a reflector port for remote mirroring. For more information about this command, see port mirroring in Network Management and Monitoring Command Reference.

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IMPORTANT:

Do not execute the mirroring-group reflector-port command on an IRF physical interface if that interface is the only member interface of an IRF port. Doing so will split the IRF fabric, because this command also removes the binding of the physical interface and IRF port.

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Suppressing SNMP notifications of packet drops on IRF physical interfaces

Before an IRF member device forwards a packet, it examines its forwarding path in the IRF fabric for a loop. If a loop exists, the device discards the packet on the source interface of the looped path. This loop elimination mechanism will drop a large number of broadcast packets on the IRF physical interfaces.

To suppress SNMP notifications of packet drops that do not require attention, do not monitor packet forwarding on the IRF physical interfaces.

Feature compatibility and configuration restrictions with IRF

System operating mode

To form an IRF fabric, all member devices must work in the same system operating mode. To set the system operating mode, use the system-working-mode command. For more information about the system operating mode, see device management configuration in Fundamentals Configuration Guide.

Maximum number of ECMP routes

To form an IRF fabric, all candidate member devices must support the same maximum number of ECMP routes. To set the maximum number of ECMP routes, use the max-ecmp-num command. For more information about setting the maximum number of ECMP routes, see Layer 3—IP Routing Configuration Guide.

Multicast forwarding mode

To form an IRF fabric, all candidate member devices must use the same multicast forwarding mode. To configure the multicast forwarding mode, use the fabric multicast-forwarding mode command. If the enhanced multicast forwarding mode is used, the IRF physical interfaces at the two ends of an IRF link must be located on cards of the same model and have the same interface index. For more information about configuring the multicast forwarding mode, see device management in Fundamentals Configuration Guide.

Independent multicast forwarding mode

To perform a master/subordinate or active/standby switchover after the independent multicast forwarding mode is configured, you must first save the running configuration to the startup configuration. To configure the independent multicast forwarding mode, use the multicast forwarding-mode independent command. For more information about configuring the independent multicast forwarding mode, see multicast routing and forwarding configuration in IP Multicast Configuration Guide.

Configuration rollback restrictions

The configuration rollback feature cannot roll back the following IRF settings:

· Member device description (set by using the irf member description command).

· Member device priority (set by using the irf member priority command).

· IRF physical interface and IRF port bindings (set by using the port group interface command).

For more information about the configuration rollback feature, see configuration file management in Fundamentals Configuration Guide.

IRF tasks at a glance

To configure IRF, perform the following tasks:

1. Setting up an IRF fabric

a. Assigning a member ID to each IRF member device

b. (Optional.) Specifying a priority for each member device

c. Binding physical interfaces to IRF ports

d. Saving configuration to the next-startup configuration file

e. Connecting IRF physical interfaces

f. Setting the operating mode to IRF mode

g. Accessing the IRF fabric

2. Configuring MAD

Configure a minimum of one MAD mechanism on an IRF fabric. For the MAD compatibility, see "MAD mechanism compatibility."

¡ Configuring LACP MAD

¡ Configuring BFD MAD

¡ Configuring ARP MAD

¡ Configuring ND MAD

¡ Excluding interfaces from the shutdown action upon detection of multi-active collision

This feature excludes an interface from the shutdown action for management or other special purposes when an IRF fabric transits to the Recovery state.

¡ Recovering an IRF fabric

3. (Optional.) Optimizing IRF settings for an IRF fabric

¡ Changing the member ID of a member device

Changing member IDs in an IRF fabric can void member ID-related configuration and cause unexpected problems. Make sure you understand the impact on your live network before you change member IDs.

¡ Changing the priority of a member device

¡ Adding physical interfaces to an IRF port

¡ Bulk-configuring basic IRF settings for a member device

You can configure member IDs, priorities, domain ID, IRF physical interfaces separately or in bulk.

¡ Enabling IRF auto-merge

When two IRF fabrics merge, this feature enables the IRF fabric that failed the master election to automatically reboot all its member devices to complete the merge.

¡ Configuring a member device description

¡ Configuring IRF bridge MAC address settings

¡ Enabling software auto-update for software image synchronization

This feature automatically propagates the software images of the global active MPU to all other MPUs in the IRF fabric.

¡ Setting the IRF link down report delay

¡ Isolating an unused IRF member ID

This feature prevents an IRF fabric from creating heavy CRC errors or traffic storms typically caused by poor-quality fiber modules, fibers, or cables on IRF links.

Planning the IRF fabric setup

Consider the following items when you plan an IRF fabric:

· Hardware compatibility and restrictions.

· IRF fabric size.

· Master device.

· Member ID and priority assignment scheme.

· Fabric topology and cabling scheme.

· IRF physical interfaces.

Setting up an IRF fabric

Assigning a member ID to each IRF member device

About this task

Assign a unique IRF member ID to a device before changing the device's operating mode to IRF. If you do not assign a member ID to the device, the device automatically uses the member ID of 1 after the mode changes to IRF.

The member ID assigned to the device is saved in both active and standby MPUs. The standby MPU might store a different member ID than the active MPU after an MPU replacement. For consistency, the system updates the member ID in the active MPU automatically to the standby MPU when the difference is detected.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Assign an IRF member ID to the device.

irf member member-id

By default, the device operates in standalone mode and does not have an IRF member ID.

Specifying a priority for each member device

About this task

IRF member priority represents the possibility for a device to be elected the master in an IRF fabric. A larger priority value indicates a higher priority.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Specify a priority for the device in standalone mode.

irf priority priority

The default IRF member priority is 1.

Binding physical interfaces to IRF ports

About this task

In standalone mode, IRF port binding operations do not affect the current configuration of the interface. However, when the operating mode changes to IRF mode, the default configuration is restored on the physical interface.

Restrictions and guidelines

You can bind IRF physical interfaces to only one IRF port on each IRF member device.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter IRF port view in standalone mode.

irf-port irf-port-number

3. Bind a physical interface to the IRF port.

port group interface interface-type interface-number [ mode enhanced ]

By default, no physical interfaces are bound to an IRF port.

Repeat this step to assign multiple physical interfaces to the IRF port.

Saving configuration to the next-startup configuration file

About this task

Save the running configuration before converting to the IRF mode. The mode change requires a reboot, which causes all unsaved settings to be lost.

Procedure

To save the running configuration to the next-startup configuration file, execute the following command in any view:

save

For more information about this command, see configuration file management in Fundamentals Command Reference.

Connecting IRF physical interfaces

Follow the restrictions in "IRF port connection" to connect IRF physical interfaces as well as based on the topology and cabling scheme.

Setting the operating mode to IRF mode

About this task

By default, the device operates in standalone mode. To assign the device to an IRF fabric, you must change its operating mode to IRF mode.

After you change the operating mode, the device automatically reboots for the change to take effect.

Restrictions and guidelines

During the reboot, you may choose to have the system automatically convert the startup configuration file. Automatic configuration conversion prevents slot- or interface-related settings from becoming invalid. For example, the system adds member ID information to interface numbers and file paths in IRF mode. To ensure successful operating mode conversion, make sure no port isolation settings are configured on a device before you convert the operating mode of the device to IRF. For more information about port isolation, see Layer 2—LAN Switching Configuration Guide.

Prerequisites

Before you change the operating mode, verify that a unique IRF member ID has been assigned to the device.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Set the operating mode to IRF mode.

chassis convert mode irf

The default operating mode is standalone mode.

IRF generates packets on a device in IRF mode even if the device does not form an IRF fabric with any other devices. To conserve system resources, set a device to standalone mode after removing it from an IRF fabric. To restore the standalone mode, use the undo chassis convert mode command.

Accessing the IRF fabric

The following methods are available for accessing an IRF fabric:

· Local login—Log in through the console port of any member device.

· Remote login—Log in at a Layer 3 interface on any member device by using methods including Telnet and SNMP.

The IRF fabric appears as one device after it is formed. When you log in to an IRF fabric, you are placed at the CLI of the global active MPU, regardless of at which member device you are logged in. You configure and manage all IRF members at the CLI of the global active MPU. All settings you have made are automatically propagated to the IRF members.

For more information, see login configuration in Fundamentals Configuration Guide.

Configuring MAD

Restrictions and guidelines for MAD configuration

MAD mechanism compatibility

As a best practice, configure a minimum of one MAD mechanism on an IRF fabric for prompt IRF split detection. Because MAD mechanisms use different collision handling processes, follow these restrictions and guidelines when you configure multiple MAD mechanisms on an IRF fabric:

· Do not configure LACP MAD together with ARP MAD or ND MAD.

· Do not configure BFD MAD together with ARP MAD or ND MAD.

Assigning IRF domain IDs

An IRF fabric has only one IRF domain ID. You can change the IRF domain ID by using the following commands: irf domain, mad enable, mad arp enable, or mad nd enable. The IRF domain IDs configured by using these commands overwrite each other.

If LACP MAD, ARP MAD, or ND MAD runs between two IRF fabrics, assign each fabric a unique IRF domain ID. (For BFD MAD, this task is optional.)

Actions on interfaces shut down by MAD

To prevent a multi-active collision from causing network issues, avoid using the undo shutdown command to bring up the interfaces shut down by a MAD mechanism on a Recovery-state IRF fabric.

Configuring LACP MAD

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Assign a domain ID to the IRF fabric.

irf domain domain-id

The default IRF domain ID is 0.

CAUTION:

Changing the IRF domain ID of an IRF member device will remove that member device from the IRF fabric. This member device will be unable to exchange IRF protocol packets with the remaining member devices in the IRF fabric.

1. Create a Layer 2 aggregate interface and enter its view.

interface bridge-aggregation interface-number

Perform this step also on the intermediate device.

2. Configure the aggregation group to operate in dynamic aggregation mode.

link-aggregation mode dynamic

By default, an aggregation group operates in static aggregation mode.

LACP MAD takes effect only on dynamic aggregate interfaces.

Perform this step also on the intermediate device.

3. Enable LACP MAD.

mad enable

By default, LACP MAD is disabled.

4. Return to system view.

quit

5. Enter Ethernet interface view or interface range view.

¡ Enter Ethernet interface view.

interface interface-type interface-number

¡ Enter interface range view. Choose one of the following commands:

interface range { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24>

interface range name name [ interface { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24> ]

To assign a range of ports to the aggregation group, enter interface range view.

To assign one port to the aggregation group, enter Ethernet interface view.

6. Assign the Ethernet port or the range of Ethernet ports to the specified aggregation group.

port link-aggregation group group-id

Multichassis link aggregation is allowed.

Perform this step also on the intermediate device.

Configuring BFD MAD

Restrictions and guidelines for configuring BFD MAD

As a best practice, use the following procedure to set up BFD MAD:

1. Choose a BFD MAD link scheme as described in "BFD MAD."

2. Configure BFD MAD.

3. Connect the BFD MAD links.

When you configure BFD MAD on a VLAN interface, follow these restrictions and guidelines:

Category	Restrictions and guidelines
BFD MAD VLAN	· Do not enable BFD MAD on VLAN-interface 1. · If you are using an intermediate device, perform the following tasks: ¡ On the IRF fabric and the intermediate device, create a VLAN for BFD MAD. ¡ On the IRF fabric and the intermediate device, assign the ports of BFD MAD links to the BFD MAD VLAN. ¡ On the IRF fabric, create a VLAN interface for the BFD MAD VLAN. · Make sure the IRF fabrics on the network use different BFD MAD VLANs. · Make sure the BFD MAD VLAN contains only ports on the BFD MAD links. Exclude a port from the BFD MAD VLAN if that port is not on a BFD MAD link. If you have assigned that port to all VLANs by using the port trunk permit vlan all command, use the undo port trunk permit command to exclude that port from the BFD MAD VLAN. ·
BFD MAD VLAN and feature compatibility	Do not use the BFD MAD VLAN and its member ports for any purpose other than BFD MAD. · Use only the mad bfd enable and mad ip address commands on the BFD MAD-enabled VLAN interface. If you configure other features, both BFD MAD and other features on the interface might run incorrectly. · Disable the spanning tree feature on any Layer 2 Ethernet ports in the BFD MAD VLAN. The MAD feature is mutually exclusive with the spanning tree feature. · You can use multiple Layer 2 Ethernet ports to establish BFD MAD links directly between the member devices or across a relay device, for redundancy. To avoid loops in this situation, take the following actions: ¡ Create one Layer 2 aggregate interface for each member device. ¡ Assign all the ports used on each member device for BFD MAD to one of those aggregate interfaces. ¡ Make sure each aggregate interface contains only ports on the same member device. ¡ Assign the aggregate interfaces to the BFD MAD VLAN.
MAD IP address	· To avoid network issues, only use the mad ip address command to configure IP addresses on the BFD MAD-enabled VLAN interface. Do not configure an IP address by using the ip address command or configure a VRRP virtual address on the BFD MAD-enabled VLAN interface. · Make sure all the MAD IP addresses are on the same subnet.

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When you configure BFD MAD on a management Ethernet port, follow these restrictions and guidelines:

Category	Restrictions and guidelines
Management Ethernet ports for BFD MAD	Connect a management Ethernet port on each IRF member device to the common Ethernet ports on the intermediate device. To avoid BFD MAD failure caused by an active/standby MPU switchover, connect the management Ethernet ports on each MPU to the intermediate device.
BFD MAD VLAN	· On the intermediate device, create a VLAN for BFD MAD, and assign the ports used for BFD MAD to the VLAN. On the IRF fabric, you do not need to assign the management Ethernet ports to the VLAN. · Make sure the IRF fabrics on the network use different BFD MAD VLANs. · Make sure the BFD MAD VLAN on the intermediate device contains only ports on the BFD MAD links.
MAD IP address	· Use the mad ip address command instead of the ip address command to configure MAD IP addresses on the BFD MAD-enabled management Ethernet ports. · Make sure all the MAD IP addresses are on the same subnet.

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Configuring BFD MAD on a VLAN interface

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. (Optional.) Assign a domain ID to the IRF fabric.

irf domain domain-id

By default, the domain ID of an IRF fabric is 0.

CAUTION:

3. Create a VLAN dedicated to BFD MAD.

vlan vlan-id

By default, only VLAN 1 exists.

Do not enable BFD MAD on VLAN-interface 1.

Perform this step also on the intermediate device (if any).

4. Return to system view.

quit

5. Enter Ethernet interface view or interface range view.

¡ Enter Ethernet interface view.

interface interface-type interface-number

¡ Enter interface range view. Choose one of the following commands:

interface range { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24>

interface range name name [ interface { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24> ]

To assign a range of ports to the BFD MAD VLAN, enter interface range view.

To assign one port to the BFD MAD VLAN, enter Ethernet interface view.

6. Assign the port or the range of ports to the BFD MAD VLAN.

¡ Assign the ports to the VLAN as access ports.

port access vlan vlan-id

¡ Assign the ports to the VLAN as trunk ports.

port trunk permit vlan vlan-id

¡ Assign the ports to the VLAN as hybrid ports.

port hybrid vlan vlan-id { tagged | untagged }

The link type of BFD MAD ports can be access, trunk, or hybrid.

The default link type of a port is access.

Perform this step also on the intermediate device (if any).

7. Return to system view.

quit

8. Enter VLAN interface view.

interface vlan-interface vlan-interface-id

9. Enable BFD MAD.

mad bfd enable

By default, BFD MAD is disabled.

10. Assign a MAD IP address to a member device on the VLAN interface.

mad ip address ip-address { mask | mask-length } member member-id

By default, no MAD IP addresses are configured on any VLAN interfaces.

Repeat this step to assign a MAD IP address to each member device on the VLAN interface.

Configuring BFD MAD on a management Ethernet port

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. (Optional.) Assign a domain ID to the IRF fabric.

irf domain domain-id

By default, the domain ID of an IRF fabric is 0.

CAUTION:

3. Enter management Ethernet interface view.

interface m-gigabitethernet interface-number

Of all management Ethernet ports on an IRF fabric, only the master's management Ethernet port is accessible.

4. Enable BFD MAD.

mad bfd enable

By default, BFD MAD is disabled.

5. Assign a MAD IP address to each member device.

mad ip address ip-address { mask | mask-length } member member-id

By default, no MAD IP addresses are configured.

Configuring ARP MAD

Restrictions and guidelines for configuring ARP MAD

As a best practice, use the following procedure to set up ARP MAD:

1. Choose an ARP MAD link scheme as described in "ARP MAD."

2. Configure ARP MAD.

3. Connect the ARP MAD links.

When you configure ARP MAD on a VLAN interface, follow these restrictions and guidelines:

Category	Restrictions and guidelines
ARP MAD VLAN	· Do not enable ARP MAD on VLAN-interface 1. · If you are using an intermediate device, perform the following tasks: ¡ On the IRF fabric and the intermediate device, create a VLAN for ARP MAD. ¡ On the IRF fabric and the intermediate device, assign the ports of ARP MAD links to the ARP MAD VLAN. ¡ On the IRF fabric, create a VLAN interface for the ARP MAD VLAN. · Do not use the ARP MAD VLAN for any other purposes.
ARP MAD and feature configuration	If an intermediate device is used, make sure the following requirements are met: · Run the spanning tree feature between the IRF fabric and the intermediate device to ensure that there is only one ARP MAD link in forwarding state. For more information about the spanning tree feature and its configuration, see Layer 2—LAN Switching Configuration Guide. · Enable the IRF fabric to change its bridge MAC address as soon as the address owner leaves. · If the intermediate device is also an IRF fabric, assign the two IRF fabrics different domain IDs for correct split detection.

Category	Restrictions and guidelines
Management Ethernet ports for ARP MAD	Connect a management Ethernet port on each member device to the common Ethernet ports on the intermediate device. To avoid ARP MAD failure caused by an active/standby MPU switchover, connect the management Ethernet ports on each MPU to the intermediate device.
ARP MAD VLAN	On the intermediate device, create a VLAN for ARP MAD, and assign the ports used for ARP MAD to the VLAN. On the IRF fabric, you do not need to assign the management Ethernet ports to the VLAN.
ARP MAD and feature configuration	· Enable the IRF fabric to change its bridge MAC address as soon as the address owner leaves. · If the intermediate device is also an IRF fabric, assign the two IRF fabrics different domain IDs for correct split detection.

Configuring ARP MAD on a VLAN interface

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Assign a domain ID to the IRF fabric.

irf domain domain-id

The default IRF domain ID is 0.

CAUTION:

3. Configure the IRF bridge MAC address to change as soon as the address owner leaves.

undo irf mac-address persistent

By default, the IRF bridge MAC address does not change after the address owner leaves.

CAUTION:

IRF bridge MAC address change will cause transient traffic disruption.

4. Create a VLAN dedicated to ARP MAD.

vlan vlan-id

By default, only VLAN 1 exists.

Do not configure ARP MAD on VLAN-interface 1.

Perform this task also on the intermediate device (if any).

5. Return to system view.

quit

6. Enter Ethernet interface view or interface range view.

¡ Enter Ethernet interface view.

interface interface-type interface-number

¡ Enter interface range view. Choose one of the following commands:

interface range { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24>

interface range name name [ interface { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24> ]

To assign a range of ports to the ARP MAD VLAN, enter interface range view.

To assign one port to the ARP MAD VLAN, enter Ethernet interface view.

7. Assign the port or the range of ports to the ARP MAD VLAN.

¡ Assign the ports to the VLAN as access ports.

port access vlan vlan-id

¡ Assign the ports to the VLAN as trunk ports.

port trunk permit vlan vlan-id

¡ Assign the ports to the VLAN as hybrid ports.

port hybrid vlan vlan-id { tagged | untagged }

The link type of ARP MAD ports can be access, trunk, or hybrid.

The default link type of a port is access.

Perform this task also on the intermediate device (if any).

8. Return to system view.

quit

9. Enter VLAN interface view.

interface vlan-interface vlan-interface-id

10. Assign the interface an IP address.

ip address ip-address { mask | mask-length }

By default, no IP addresses are assigned to any VLAN interfaces.

11. Enable ARP MAD.

mad arp enable

By default, ARP MAD is disabled.

Configuring ARP MAD on a management Ethernet port

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Assign a domain ID to the IRF fabric.

irf domain domain-id

The default IRF domain ID is 0.

CAUTION:

3. Configure the IRF bridge MAC address to change as soon as the address owner leaves.

undo irf mac-address persistent

By default, the IRF bridge MAC address does not change after the address owner leaves.

CAUTION:

IRF bridge MAC address change will cause transient traffic disruption.

4. Enter management Ethernet interface view.

interface m-gigabitethernet interface-number

Of all management Ethernet ports on an IRF fabric, only the master's management Ethernet port is accessible.

5. Assign an IP address to the management Ethernet port.

ip address ip-address { mask | mask-length }

By default, no IP addresses are configured.

6. Enable ARP MAD.

mad arp enable

By default, ARP MAD is disabled.

Configuring ND MAD

Restrictions and guidelines for configuring ND MAD

As a best practice, use the following procedure to set up ND MAD:

1. Choose an ND MAD link scheme as described in "ND MAD."

2. Configure ND MAD.

3. Connect the ND MAD links.

When you configure ND MAD on a VLAN interface, follow these restrictions and guidelines:

Category	Restrictions and guidelines
ND MAD VLAN	· Do not enable ND MAD on VLAN-interface 1. · If you are using an intermediate device, perform the following tasks: ¡ On the IRF fabric and the intermediate device, create a VLAN for ND MAD. ¡ On the IRF fabric and the intermediate device, assign the ports of ND MAD links to the ND MAD VLAN. ¡ On the IRF fabric, create a VLAN interface for the ND MAD VLAN. · Do not use the ND MAD VLAN for any other purposes.
ND MAD and feature configuration	If an intermediate device is used, make sure the following requirements are met: · Run the spanning tree feature between the IRF fabric and the intermediate device to ensure that there is only one ND MAD link in forwarding state. For more information about the spanning tree feature and its configuration, see Layer 2—LAN Switching Configuration Guide. · Enable the IRF fabric to change its bridge MAC address as soon as the address owner leaves. · If the intermediate device is also an IRF fabric, assign the two IRF fabrics different domain IDs for correct split detection.

Category	Restrictions and guidelines
Management Ethernet ports for ND MAD	Connect a management Ethernet port on each member device to the common Ethernet ports on the intermediate device. To avoid ND MAD failure caused by an active/standby MPU switchover, connect the management Ethernet ports on each MPU to the intermediate device.
ND MAD VLAN	On the intermediate device, create a VLAN for ND MAD, and assign the ports used for ND MAD to the VLAN. On the IRF fabric, you do not need to assign the management Ethernet ports to the VLAN.
ND MAD and feature configuration	· Enable the IRF fabric to change its bridge MAC address as soon as the address owner leaves. · If the intermediate device is also an IRF fabric, assign the two IRF fabrics different domain IDs for correct split detection.

Configuring ND MAD on a VLAN interface

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Assign a domain ID to the IRF fabric.

irf domain domain-id

The default IRF domain ID is 0.

CAUTION:

3. Configure the IRF bridge MAC address to change as soon as the address owner leaves.

undo irf mac-address persistent

By default, the IRF bridge MAC address does not change after the address owner leaves.

CAUTION:

IRF bridge MAC address change will cause transient traffic disruption.

4. Create a VLAN dedicated to ND MAD.

vlan vlan-id

By default, only VLAN 1 exists.

Do not configure ND MAD on VLAN-interface 1.

Perform this task also on the intermediate device (if any).

5. Return to system view.

quit

6. Enter Ethernet interface view or interface range view.

¡ Enter Ethernet interface view.

interface interface-type interface-number

¡ Enter interface range view. Choose one of the following commands:

interface range { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24>

interface range name name [ interface { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24> ]

To assign a range of ports to the ND MAD VLAN, enter interface range view.

To assign one port to the ND MAD VLAN, enter Ethernet interface view.

7. Assign the port or the range of ports to the ND MAD VLAN.

¡ Assign the ports to the VLAN as access ports.

port access vlan vlan-id

¡ Assign the ports to the VLAN as trunk ports.

port trunk permit vlan vlan-id

¡ Assign the ports to the VLAN as hybrid ports.

port hybrid vlan vlan-id { tagged | untagged }

The link type of ND MAD ports can be access, trunk, or hybrid.

The default link type of a port is access.

Perform this task also on the intermediate device (if any).

8. Return to system view.

quit

9. Enter VLAN interface view.

interface vlan-interface interface-number

10. Assign the interface an IPv6 address.

ipv6 address { ipv6-address/prefix-length | ipv6-address prefix-length }

By default, no IPv6 addresses are assigned to a VLAN interface.

11. Enable ND MAD.

mad nd enable

By default, ND MAD is disabled.

Configuring ND MAD on a management Ethernet port

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Assign a domain ID to the IRF fabric.

irf domain domain-id

The default IRF domain ID is 0.

CAUTION:

3. Configure the IRF bridge MAC address to change as soon as the address owner leaves.

undo irf mac-address persistent

By default, the IRF bridge MAC address does not change after the address owner leaves.

CAUTION:

IRF bridge MAC address change will cause transient traffic disruption.

4. Enter management Ethernet interface view.

interface m-gigabitethernet interface-number

Of all management Ethernet ports on an IRF fabric, only the master's management Ethernet port is accessible.

5. Assign an IPv6 address to the management Ethernet port.

ipv6 address { ipv6-address/pre-length | ipv6 address pre-length }

By default, no IPv6 addresses are assigned to a management Ethernet port.

6. Enable ND MAD.

mad nd enable

By default, ND MAD is disabled.

Excluding interfaces from the shutdown action upon detection of multi-active collision

About this task

When an IRF fabric transits to the Recovery state, the system automatically excludes the following network interfaces from being shut down:

· IRF physical interfaces.

· Interfaces used for BFD MAD.

· Member interfaces of an aggregate interface if the aggregate interface is excluded from being shut down.

You can exclude an interface from the shutdown action for management or other special purposes. For example:

· Exclude a port from the shutdown action so you can Telnet to the port for managing the device.

· Exclude a VLAN interface and its Layer 2 ports from the shutdown action so you can log in through the VLAN interface.

Restrictions and guidelines

If the Layer 2 ports of a VLAN interface are distributed on multiple member devices, the exclusion operation might introduce IP collision risks. The VLAN interface might be up on both active and inactive IRF fabrics.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Configure an interface to not shut down when the IRF fabric transits to the Recovery state.

mad exclude interface interface-type interface-number

By default, all network interfaces on a Recovery-state IRF fabric are shut down, except for the network interfaces automatically excluded by the system.

Recovering an IRF fabric

About this task

If the active IRF fabric fails before the IRF link is recovered, perform this task on the inactive IRF fabric to recover the inactive IRF fabric for traffic forwarding. The manual recovery operation brings up all interfaces that were shut down by MAD on the inactive IRF fabric.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Recover the inactive IRF fabric.

mad restore

Optimizing IRF settings for an IRF fabric

Changing the member ID of a member device

Restrictions and guidelines

CAUTION:

In IRF mode, an IRF member ID change can invalidate member ID-related settings and cause data loss. Make sure you fully understand its impact on your live network.

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The new member ID takes effect at reboot. After the device reboots, the settings on all member ID-related physical resources (including common physical network ports) are removed, regardless of whether you have saved the configuration.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Change the member ID of a member device.

irf member member-id renumber new-member-id

By default, the device uses the member ID that is set in standalone mode.

CAUTION:

In IRF mode, an IRF member ID change can invalidate member ID-related settings and cause data loss. Make sure you fully understand its impact on your live network.

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3. Save the running configuration.

save [ safely ] [ force ]

4. Return to user view.

quit

5. Reboot the member device.

reboot chassis chassis-number

The chassis-number must be the same as the member-id specified in the irf member member-id renumber new-member-id command.

Changing the priority of a member device

About this task

You can change the priority of a member device so it can be elected the master in the next master election.

A change to member priority can affect the master re-election result. However, it does not cause an immediate master re-election.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Specify a priority for a member of an IRF fabric.

irf member member-id priority priority

The default IRF member priority is 1.

Adding physical interfaces to an IRF port

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enter Ethernet interface view or interface range view.

¡ Enter Ethernet interface view.

interface interface-type interface-number

¡ Enter interface range view. Choose one of the following commands:

interface range { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24>

interface range name name [ interface { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24> ]

To shut down one IRF physical interface, enter its interface view.

To shut down a range of IRF physical interfaces, enter interface range view.

3. Shut down the physical interfaces.

shutdown

By default, interfaces on the device are not administratively down.

If you cannot shut down a physical interface, follow the system instruction to shut down its peer interface.

4. Return to system view.

quit

5. Enter IRF port view.

irf-port member-id/irf-port-number

6. Bind each physical interface to the IRF port.

port group interface interface-type interface-number [ mode enhanced ]

By default, no physical interfaces are bound to an IRF port.

Repeat this step to assign multiple physical interfaces to the IRF port.

7. Return to system view.

quit

8. Enter Ethernet interface view or interface range view.

¡ Enter Ethernet interface view.

interface interface-type interface-number

¡ Enter interface range view. Choose one of the following commands:

interface range { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24>

interface range name name [ interface { interface-type interface-number [ to interface-type interface-number ] } &<1-24> ]

9. Bring up the physical interfaces.

undo shutdown

Before bringing up the physical interfaces, make sure that the interconnect IRF physical ports on the peer device have been bound to the peer IRF port.

10. Return to system view.

quit

11. Save the running configuration.

save

Activating IRF port settings causes IRF merge and reboot. To avoid data loss, save the running configuration to the startup configuration file before you perform the operation.

12. Activate the configuration on the IRF port.

irf-port-configuration active

After this step is performed, the state of the IRF port changes to UP. The member devices elect a master, and the subordinate device reboots automatically.

After the IRF fabric is formed, you can add physical interfaces to an IRF port (in UP state) without repeating this step.

Bulk-configuring basic IRF settings for a member device

About this task

Use the easy IRF feature to bulk-configure basic IRF settings for a device in IRF mode, including the member ID, domain ID, priority, and IRF port bindings.

The easy IRF feature provides the following configuration methods:

· Interactive method—Enter the easy-irf command without parameters. The system will guide you to set the parameters step by step.

· Non-interactive method—Enter the easy-irf command with parameters.

As a best practice, use the interactive method if you are new to IRF.

Restrictions and guidelines

CAUTION:

· Use caution when you change the member ID of an IRF member device. An IRF member ID uniquely identifies a device in an IRF fabric. An IRF member ID change can invalidate member ID-related settings, including interface and file path settings, and cause data loss. Make sure you fully understand its impact on the live network.

· The member device reboots immediately after you specify a new member ID for it. Make sure you are aware of the impact of this operation on the network.

If you execute the easy-irf command multiple times, the following settings take effect:

· The most recent settings for the member ID, domain ID, and priority.

· IRF port bindings added through repeated executions of the command. To remove an IRF physical interface from an IRF port, you must use the undo port group interface command in IRF port view.

To bind physical interfaces to IRF ports, follow these restrictions and guidelines:

· If the IRF member devices are connected, first use the shutdown command to shut down the IRF physical interfaces on the member devices. Then, use the easy-irf command to bind the IRF physical interfaces to IRF ports. After all IRF settings are configured, bring up the IRF physical interfaces.

· If the IRF member devices are not connected, first use the easy-irf command to bind the IRF physical interfaces to IRF ports. Then, connect the IRF member devices.

If you specify IRF physical interfaces by using the interactive method, you must also follow these restrictions and guidelines:

· Do not enter spaces between the interface type and interface number.

· Use a comma (,) to separate two physical interfaces. No spaces are allowed between interfaces.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Bulk-configure basic IRF settings for the device.

easy-irf [ member member-id [ renumber new-member-id ] domain domain-id [ priority priority ] [ irf-port1 interface-list1 ] [ irf-port2 interface-list2 ] ]

Make sure the new member ID is unique in the IRF fabric to which the device will be added.

Enabling IRF auto-merge

About this task

When two IRF fabrics merge, you must reboot the member devices in the IRF fabric that fails in the master election. The auto-merge feature enables the IRF fabric to automatically reboot all its member devices to complete the merge.

If this feature is disabled, you must manually reboot the devices that failed the master election to complete the merge.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enable IRF auto-merge.

irf auto-merge enable

By default, this feature is enabled.

Configuring a member device description

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Configure a description for a member device.

irf member member-id description text

By default, no member device description is configured.

Configuring IRF bridge MAC address settings

About this task

The bridge MAC address of a system must be unique on a switched LAN. IRF bridge MAC address identifies an IRF fabric by Layer 2 protocols (for example, LACP) on a switched LAN.

By default, an IRF fabric uses the bridge MAC address of the master as the IRF bridge MAC address. After the master leaves, the IRF bridge MAC address persists for a period of time or permanently depending on the IRF bridge MAC persistence setting. When the IRF bridge MAC persistence timer expires, the IRF fabric uses the bridge MAC address of the current master as the IRF bridge MAC address.

In special occasions that require a fixed special IRF bridge MAC address, you can specify that MAC address as the IRF bridge MAC address. For example, when you replace an IRF fabric as a whole, you can configure the new IRF fabric with the IRF bridge MAC address of the existing IRF fabric before the replacement to minimize service interruption.

The IRF bridge MAC persistence setting does not take effect on the manually specified IRF bridge MAC address.

If IRF fabric merge occurs, IRF determines the IRF bridge MAC address of the merged IRF fabric as follows:

1. When IRF fabrics merge, IRF ignores the IRF bridge MAC addresses and checks the bridge MAC address of each member device in the IRF fabrics. IRF merge fails if any two member devices have the same bridge MAC address.

2. After IRF fabrics merge, the merged IRF fabric uses the bridge MAC address of the merging IRF fabric that won the master election as the IRF bridge MAC address.

Restrictions and guidelines for IRF bridge MAC address configuration

CAUTION:

Bridge MAC address change will cause transient traffic disruption.

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When you configure IRF bridge MAC persistence, follow these restrictions and guidelines:

· If you use the irf mac-address mac-address command to specify a MAC address as the IRF bridge MAC address, the IRF bridge MAC address is always the specified MAC address. The irf mac-address persistent command cannot take effect.

· If ARP MAD or ND MAD is used with the spanning tree feature, you must disable IRF bridge MAC persistence by using the undo irf mac-address persistent command. In addition, do not specify a MAC address as the IRF bridge MAC address.

· If the IRF fabric has multichassis aggregate links, do not use the undo irf mac-address persistent command. Use of this command might cause traffic disruption.

Configuring IRF bridge MAC persistence

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Configure IRF bridge MAC persistence.

¡ Retain the bridge MAC address permanently even if the address owner has left the fabric.

irf mac-address persistent always

¡ Retain the bridge MAC address for 6 minutes after the address owner leaves the fabric.

irf mac-address persistent timer

¡ Change the bridge MAC address as soon as the address owner leaves the fabric.

undo irf mac-address persistent

By default, the IRF bridge MAC address does not change after the address owner leaves.

The irf mac-address persistent timer command avoids unnecessary bridge MAC address changes caused by device reboot, transient link failure, or purposeful link disconnection.

Specifying a MAC address as the IRF bridge MAC address

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Specify a MAC address as the IRF bridge MAC address.

irf mac-address mac-address

By default, an IRF fabric uses the bridge MAC address of the master as the IRF bridge MAC address.

CAUTION:

IRF bridge MAC address change will cause transient traffic disruption.

If an IRF fabric splits after you configure the IRF bridge MAC address, both the split IRF fabrics use the configured bridge MAC address as the IRF bridge MAC address.

Enabling software auto-update for software image synchronization

About this task

The software auto-update feature automatically propagates the software images of the global active MPU to all other MPUs (including new devices) in the IRF fabric.

To join an IRF fabric, an MPU must use the same software images as the global active MPU in the fabric.

When you add an MPU to the IRF fabric, software auto-update compares the startup software images of the MPU with the current software images of the IRF global active MPU. If the two sets of images are different, the MPU automatically performs the following operations:

3. Downloads the current software images of the global active MPU.

4. Sets the downloaded images as the main startup software images.

5. Reboots with the new software images to rejoin the IRF fabric.

You must manually update the new MPU with the software images running on the IRF fabric if software auto-update is disabled.

NOTE:

To synchronize software from the active MPU to the standby MPU in standalone mode, use the undo version check ignore and version auto-update enable commands. For more information about these commands, see Fundamentals Configuration Guide.

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Restrictions and guidelines

To ensure a successful software auto-update in a multi-user environment, prevent anyone from rebooting or swapping member devices or MPUs during the auto-update process. To inform administrators of the auto-update status, configure the information center to output the status messages to configuration terminals (see Network Management and Monitoring Configuration Guide).

Make sure the MPU you are adding to the IRF fabric has sufficient storage space for the new software images.

If sufficient storage space is not available, the MPU automatically deletes the current software images. If the reclaimed space is still insufficient, the MPU cannot complete the auto-update. You must reboot the device that holds the MPU, and then access the Boot menu to delete files.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Enable software auto-update.

irf auto-update enable

By default, software auto-update is enabled.

Setting the IRF link down report delay

About this task

To prevent frequent IRF splits and merges during link flapping, configure the IRF ports to delay reporting link down events.

An IRF port does not report a link down event to the IRF fabric immediately after its link changes from up to down. If the IRF link state is still down when the delay is reached, the port reports the change to the IRF fabric.

IRF ports do not delay link up events. They report the link up event immediately after the IRF link comes up.

Restrictions and guidelines

Make sure the IRF link down report delay is shorter than the heartbeat or hello timeout settings of upper-layer protocols (for example, OSPF). If the report delay is longer than the timeout setting of a protocol, unnecessary recalculations might occur.

Set the delay to 0 seconds in the following situations:

· The IRF fabric requires a fast master/subordinate or IRF link switchover.

· The RRPP, BFD, or GR feature is used.

· You want to shut down an IRF physical interface or reboot an IRF member device. (After you complete the operation, reconfigure the delay depending on the network condition.)

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Set the IRF link down report delay.

irf link-delay interval

The default IRF link down report delay is 1 second.

Isolating an unused IRF member ID

About this task

This feature prevents an IRF fabric from creating heavy CRC errors or traffic storms.

Heavy CRC errors or traffic storms occur if an IRF member device tags inter-chassis packets with a valid unused member ID. This issue is typically caused by poor-quality fiber modules, fibers, or cables on IRF links.

To avoid heavy CRC errors or traffic storms, isolate the unused member IDs in the valid member ID range. When an unused member ID is isolated, the member devices will drop all packets that are tagged with the member ID.

Restrictions and guidelines

CAUTION:

When a member ID is isolated, the member device with this member ID leaves the IRF fabric and cannot join the IRF fabric again. Before you isolate a member ID, make sure the member ID is not in use.

Before you assign an isolated ID to a new member device, use the undo irf isolate member command to remove the isolation setting.

Procedure

1. Enter system view.

system-view

2. Isolate an unused IRF member ID.

irf isolate member member-id

By default, no member IDs are isolated.

This command is supported only in IRF mode.

Display and maintenance commands for IRF

Execute display commands in any view.

Task	Command
Display information about all IRF members.	display irf
Display the IRF fabric topology.	display irf topology
Display IRF link information.	display irf link
Display IRF configuration.	display irf configuration
Display MAD configuration.	display mad [ verbose ]

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IRF configuration examples

The IRF configuration examples show how to set up IRF fabrics that use different MAD mechanisms.

Example: Configuring a two-chassis IRF fabric with LACP MAD enabled on an aggregate interface

Network configuration

As shown in Figure 15, set up a two-chassis IRF fabric at the access layer of the enterprise network.

Configure LACP MAD on the multichassis aggregation to Device C, which supports extended LACP.

Figure 15 Network diagram

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Analysis

To reduce the device reboot times when you set up an IRF fabric, use the following steps:

1. In standalone mode, complete IRF port configuration and other settings required for IRF setup.

2. Change the operating mode to IRF. Before the devices finish reboot, connect IRF physical interfaces. After the devices finish reboot, the IRF fabric is set up.

3. Configure MAD settings.

Restrictions and guidelines

If you change the operating mode to IRF before binding IRF physical interfaces to IRF ports, use the following steps to ensure successful IRF setup:

1. Configure IRF port settings and other required settings.

2. Execute the save command to save the running configuration.

3. Execute the irf-port-configuration active command to activate the IRF port settings.

Procedure

1. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device A:

# Assign member ID 1 to Device A, and bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 2.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 1

[Sysname] irf-port 2

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] quit

# Save the configuration.

[Sysname] quit

<Sysname> save

# Enable IRF mode.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

2. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device B:

# Assign member ID 2 to Device B, and bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 1.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 2

[Sysname] irf-port 1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] quit

# Save the configuration.

[Sysname] quit

<Sysname> save

# Connect the two devices as shown in Figure 15.

# Log in to Device B. (Details not shown.)

# Enable IRF mode.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

Device B and Device A form an IRF fabric after Device B reboots.

3. Configure LACP MAD on the IRF fabric:

# Assign domain ID 1 to the IRF fabric.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf domain 1

# Create a dynamic aggregate interface and enable LACP MAD.

[Sysname] interface bridge-aggregation 2

[Sysname-Bridge-Aggregation2] link-aggregation mode dynamic

[Sysname-Bridge-Aggregation2] mad enable

You need to assign a domain ID (range: 0-4294967295)

[Current domain ID is: 1]:

The assigned domain ID is: 1

[Sysname-Bridge-Aggregation2] quit

# Assign Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/2/0/2 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/2/0/2 to the aggregate interface.

[Sysname] interface ten-gigabitethernet 1/2/0/2

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/2/0/2] port link-aggregation group 2

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/2/0/2] quit

[Sysname] interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/2/0/2

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet2/2/0/2] port link-aggregation group 2

4. Configure Device C as the intermediate device for LACP MAD:

CAUTION:

If the intermediate device is also an IRF fabric, assign the two IRF fabrics different domain IDs for correct split detection. False detection causes IRF split.

# Create a dynamic aggregate interface.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] interface bridge-aggregation 2

[Sysname-Bridge-Aggregation2] link-aggregation mode dynamic

[Sysname-Bridge-Aggregation2] quit

# Assign Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/0/2 to the aggregate interface.

[Sysname] interface ten-gigabitethernet 1/0/1

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/0/1] port link-aggregation group 2

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/0/1] quit

[Sysname] interface ten-gigabitethernet 1/0/2

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/0/2] port link-aggregation group 2

Example: Configuring a two-chassis IRF fabric with BFD MAD enabled on a VLAN interface

Network configuration

As shown in Figure 16, set up an IRF fabric at the distribution layer of the network.

· Configure BFD MAD in the IRF fabric and set up BFD MAD links between the member devices.

· Disable the spanning tree feature on the ports used for BFD MAD, because the two features conflict with each other.

· Assign the highest member priority to Device A so it can be elected the master.

Figure 16 Network diagram

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Analysis

To reduce the device reboot times when you set up an IRF fabric, use the following steps:

1. In standalone mode, complete IRF port configuration and other settings required for IRF setup.

2. Change the operating mode to IRF. Before the devices finish reboot, connect IRF physical interfaces. After the devices finish reboot, the IRF fabric is set up.

3. Configure MAD settings.

Restrictions and guidelines

If you change the operating mode to IRF before binding IRF physical interfaces to IRF ports, use the following steps to ensure successful IRF setup:

1. Configure IRF port settings and other required settings.

2. Execute the save command to save the running configuration.

3. Execute the irf-port-configuration active command to activate the IRF port settings.

Procedure

1. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device A:

# Assign member ID 1 to Device A, and bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 2.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 1

[Sysname] irf-port 2

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] quit

# Specify the priority of Device A as 10 to make sure it is elected as the master when the IRF fabric is established.

[DeviceA] irf priority 10

# Save the configuration.

[Sysname] quit

<Sysname> save

# Enable IRF mode.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

2. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device B:

# Assign member ID 2 to Device B, and bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 1.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 2

[Sysname] irf-port 1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] quit

# Save the configuration.

[Sysname] quit

<Sysname> save

# Connect the two devices as shown in Figure 16.

# Log in to Device B. (Details not shown.)

# Enable IRF mode.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

Device B and Device A form an IRF after Device B reboots.

3. Configure BFD MAD on the IRF fabric:

# Create VLAN 3, and add Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/2/0/2 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/2/0/2 to VLAN 3.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] vlan 3

[Sysname-vlan3] port ten-gigabitethernet 1/2/0/2 ten-gigabitethernet 2/2/0/2

[Sysname-vlan3] quit

# Create VLAN-interface 3, and configure a MAD IP address for each member device on the VLAN interface.

[Sysname] interface vlan-interface 3

[Sysname-Vlan-interface3] mad bfd enable

[Sysname-Vlan-interface3] mad ip address 192.168.2.1 24 member 1

[Sysname-Vlan-interface3] mad ip address 192.168.2.2 24 member 2

[Sysname-Vlan-interface3] quit

# Disable the spanning tree feature on Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/2/0/2 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/2/0/2.

[Sysname] interface ten-gigabitethernet 1/2/0/2

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/2/0/2] undo stp enable

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/2/0/2] quit

[Sysname] interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/2/0/2

[Sysname-Ten-GigabitEthernet2/2/0/2] undo stp enable

Example: Configuring a two-chassis IRF fabric with ARP MAD enabled on a VLAN interface

Network configuration

As shown in Figure 17, set up a two-chassis IRF fabric at the distribution layer of the enterprise network.

· Configure ARP MAD for the IRF fabric and use Device C as an intermediate device. Device C can come from any vendor.

· To prevent loops, enable the spanning tree feature between the IRF fabric and Device C.

Figure 17 Network diagram

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Analysis

To reduce the device reboot times when you set up an IRF fabric, use the following steps:

1. In standalone mode, complete IRF port configuration and other settings required for IRF setup.

2. Change the operating mode to IRF. Before the devices finish reboot, connect IRF physical interfaces. After the devices finish reboot, the IRF fabric is set up.

3. Configure MAD settings.

Restrictions and guidelines

If you change the operating mode to IRF before binding IRF physical interfaces to IRF ports, use the following steps to ensure successful IRF setup:

1. Configure IRF port settings and other required settings.

2. Execute the save command to save the running configuration.

3. Execute the irf-port-configuration active command to activate the IRF port settings.

Procedure

1. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device A:

# Assign member ID 1 to Device A, and bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 2.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 1

[Sysname] irf-port 2

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] quit

# Save the configuration.

[Sysname] quit

<Sysname> save

# Enable IRF mode.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

2. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device B:

# Assign member ID 2 to Device B, and bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 1.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 2

[Sysname] irf-port 1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] quit

# Save the configuration.

[Sysname] quit

<Sysname> save

# Connect the two devices as shown in Figure 17.

# Log in to Device B. (Details not shown.)

# Enable IRF mode.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

Device B and Device A form an IRF after Device B reboots.

3. Configure ARP MAD on the IRF fabric:

# Enable the spanning tree feature globally, and map the ARP MAD VLAN to MSTI 1 in the MST region.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] stp global enable

[Sysname] stp region-configuration

[Sysname-mst-region] region-name arpmad

[Sysname-mst-region] instance 1 vlan 3

[Sysname-mst-region] active region-configuration

[Sysname-mst-region] quit

# Configure the bridge MAC address of the IRF fabric to change as soon as the address owner leaves.

[Sysname] undo irf mac-address persistent

# Set the domain ID of the IRF fabric to 1.

[Sysname] irf domain 1

# Create VLAN 3, and add Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/2/0/2 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/2/0/2 to VLAN 3.

[Sysname] vlan 3

[Sysname-vlan3] port ten-gigabitethernet 1/2/0/2 ten-gigabitethernet 2/2/0/2

[Sysname-vlan3] quit

# Create VLAN-interface 3, assign it an IP address, and enable ARP MAD on the interface.

[Sysname] interface vlan-interface 3

[Sysname-Vlan-interface3] mad arp enable

You need to assign a domain ID (range: 0-4294967295)

[Current domain ID is: 1]:

The assigned domain ID is: 1

[Sysname-Vlan-interface3] ip address 192.168.2.1 24

4. Configure Device C as the intermediate device for ARP MAD:

CAUTION:

If the intermediate device is also an IRF fabric, assign the two IRF fabrics different domain IDs for correct split detection. False detection causes IRF split.

# Enable the spanning tree feature globally, and map the ARP MAD VLAN to MSTI 1 in the MST region.

<DeviceC> system-view

[DeviceC] stp global enable

[DeviceC] stp region-configuration

[DeviceC-mst-region] region-name arpmad

[DeviceC-mst-region] instance 1 vlan 3

[DeviceC-mst-region] active region-configuration

[DeviceC-mst-region] quit

# Create VLAN 3, and add Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/0/2 to VLAN 3.

[DeviceC] vlan 3

[DeviceC-vlan3] port ten-gigabitethernet 1/0/1 ten-gigabitethernet 1/0/2

[DeviceC-vlan3] quit

Example: Configuring a two-chassis IRF fabric with ND MAD enabled on a VLAN interface

Network configuration

As shown in Figure 18, set up a two-chassis IRF fabric at the distribution layer of the enterprise network.

· Configure ND MAD for the IRF fabric and use Device C as an intermediate device. Device C can come from any vendor.

· To prevent loops, enable the spanning tree feature between the IRF fabric and Device C.

Figure 18 Network diagram

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Analysis

To reduce the device reboot times when you set up an IRF fabric, use the following steps:

1. In standalone mode, complete IRF port configuration and other settings required for IRF setup.

2. Change the operating mode to IRF. Before the devices finish reboot, connect IRF physical interfaces. After the devices finish reboot, the IRF fabric is set up.

3. Configure MAD settings.

Restrictions and guidelines

If you change the operating mode to IRF before binding IRF physical interfaces to IRF ports, use the following steps to ensure successful IRF setup:

1. Configure IRF port settings and other required settings.

2. Execute the save command to save the running configuration.

3. Execute the irf-port-configuration active command to activate the IRF port settings.

Procedure

1. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device A:

# Assign member ID 1 to Device A, and bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 2.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 1

[Sysname] irf-port 2

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] quit

# Save the configuration.

[Sysname] quit

<Sysname> save

# Enable IRF mode.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

2. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device B:

# Assign member ID 2 to Device B, and bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 1.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 2

[Sysname] irf-port 1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] quit

# Save the configuration.

[Sysname] quit

<Sysname> save

# Connect the two devices as shown in Figure 18.

# Log in to Device B. (Details not shown.)

# Enable IRF mode.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

Device B and Device A form an IRF after Device B reboots.

3. Configure ND MAD on the IRF fabric:

# Enable the spanning tree feature globally, and map the ND MAD VLAN to MSTI 1 in the MST region.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] stp global enable

[Sysname] stp region-configuration

[Sysname-mst-region] region-name ndmad

[Sysname-mst-region] instance 1 vlan 3

[Sysname-mst-region] active region-configuration

[Sysname-mst-region] quit

# Configure the bridge MAC address of the IRF fabric to change as soon as the address owner leaves.

[Sysname] undo irf mac-address persistent

# Set the domain ID of the IRF fabric to 1.

[Sysname] irf domain 1

# Create VLAN 3, and add Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/2/0/2 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/2/0/2 to VLAN 3.

[Sysname] vlan 3

[Sysname-vlan3] port ten-gigabitethernet 1/2/0/2 ten-gigabitethernet 2/2/0/2

[Sysname-vlan3] quit

# Create VLAN-interface 3, assign it an IP address, and enable ND MAD on the interface.

[Sysname] interface vlan-interface 3

[Sysname-Vlan-interface3] ipv6 address 2001::1 64

[Sysname-Vlan-interface3] mad nd enable

You need to assign a domain ID (range: 0-4294967295)

[Current domain ID is: 1]:

The assigned domain ID is: 1

4. Configure Device C as the intermediate device for ND MAD:

CAUTION:

If the intermediate device is also an IRF fabric, assign the two IRF fabrics different domain IDs for correct split detection. False detection causes IRF split.

# Enable the spanning tree feature globally, and map the ND MAD VLAN to MSTI 1 in the MST region.

<DeviceC> system-view

[DeviceC] stp global enable

[DeviceC] stp region-configuration

[DeviceC-mst-region] region-name ndmad

[DeviceC-mst-region] instance 1 vlan 3

[DeviceC-mst-region] active region-configuration

[DeviceC-mst-region] quit

# Create VLAN 3, and add Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/0/2 to VLAN 3.

[DeviceC] vlan 3

[DeviceC-vlan3] port ten-gigabitethernet 1/0/1 ten-gigabitethernet 1/0/2

[DeviceC-vlan3] quit

Example: Configuring a two-chassis IRF fabric with ARP MAD and management IP configured on the same management Ethernet port

IMPORTANT:

This example is also applicable to a two-chassis IRF fabric running ND MAD, except that you must configure ND MAD differently.

Network configuration

As shown in Figure 19, use Device A and Device B to set up a two-chassis IRF fabric.

Use management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1 to perform ARP MAD for IRF split detection and to provide device access for management purposes.

Configure management IP addresses for the IRF fabric and each member device on the management port to meet the following requirements:

· The administrator can use the same management IP address to access the IRF fabric before and after an active/subordinate switchover.

· The administrator can access each member device for failure recovery through their respective management IP addresses after the IRF fabric splits.

Figure 19 Network diagram

‌

Analysis

To reduce the device reboot times when you set up an IRF fabric, use the following steps:

1. In standalone mode, complete IRF port configuration and other settings required for IRF setup.

2. Change the operating mode to IRF. Before the devices finish reboot, connect IRF physical interfaces. After the devices finish reboot, the IRF fabric is set up.

3. Configure MAD settings.

Restrictions and guidelines

When you configure management IP addresses, follow these restrictions and guidelines:

· To make sure you can access the IRF fabric at the same IP address after a master/subordinate switchover, use the ip address ip-address { mask-length | mask } command to configure a management IP address on the management port, in this example, on M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1. You can use this address to access the IRF fabric as long as the fabric has not split. This address might be inaccesible for an IP conflict after the IRF fabric splits, because it exists on all member devices. In the context of IRF, this address is called a global management IP address.

· To access each member device for failure recovery after the IRF fabric splits, use the ip address ip-address { mask-length | mask } irf-member member-id command to configure a management IP address for each member device on the management port, in this example, on M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1. In the context of IRF, this address is called a member-specific management IP address.

· Make sure the management IP addresses assigned to all IRF member devices on the same management Ethernet port belong to the same subnet. Make sure the management IP addresses assigned to an IRF member device on different management Ethernet ports belong to different subnets.

· You must manually make sure the management IP addresses configured on the subordinate devices will not cause IP address conflicts on the network. When the IRF fabric is running correctly, only the IP addresses of the management Ethernet ports on the master device take effect. The management IP addresses of the management Ethernet ports on the subordinate devices do not take effect. If a management IP address on a subordinate device conflicts with an IP address in the network, the system cannot detect the IP conflict, causing network issues after an IRF split.

NOTE:

When the IRF fabric is integrated, you can access the IRF fabric by using either the global management IP address or the management IP address specific to the master device. As a best practice to prevent the management IP address from changing upon a master/subordinate switchover, use the global management IP address as long as the IRF fabric is integrated.

When you configure ARP MAD on a management Ethernet port, follow the restrictions and guidelines in "Configuring ARP MAD."

If you change the operating mode to IRF before binding IRF physical interfaces to IRF ports, use the following steps to ensure successful IRF setup:

1. Configure IRF port settings and other required settings.

2. Execute the save command to save the running configuration.

3. Execute the irf-port-configuration active command to activate the IRF port settings.

Setting up the IRF fabric

1. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device A:

# Bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 1/2.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 1

[Sysname] irf-port 2

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] quit

# Save the running configuration to the next-startup configuration file.

[Sysname] save

# Enable IRF mode.

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

Device A is a one-chassis IRF fabric after it reboots.

2. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device B:

# Assign member ID 2 to Device B, and bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 2/1.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 2

[Sysname] irf-port 1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] quit

# Save the running configuration to the next-startup configuration file.

[Sysname] save

# Connect Device B to Device A, as shown in Figure 19.

# Enable IRF mode.

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

Device B reboots to join the IRF fabric that contains Device A.

Configuring management IP addresses

# Assign IP address 192.168.1.1/24 to the IRF fabric on management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] interface m-gigabitethernet 1/0/0/1

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/1] ip address 192.168.1.1 24

# On management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1, assign IP addresses 192.168.1.101/24 and 192.168.1.102/24 to IRF member device 1 (Device A) and IRF member device 2 (Device B), respectively. After the IRF fabric splits, the administrator can use IP addresses 192.168.1.101/24 and 192.168.1.102/24 to log in to Device A and Device B, respectively.

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/1] ip address 192.168.1.101 24 irf-member 1

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/1] ip address 192.168.1.102 24 irf-member 2

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/1] quit

# Exclude management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1 from being shut down by MAD upon detection of multi-active collisions.

[Sysname] mad exclude interface m-gigabitethernet 1/0/0/1

Configuring ARP MAD

1. Configure the IRF fabric:

# Set the domain ID of the IRF fabric to 1.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf domain 1

# Enable ARP MAD on management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1.

[Sysname] interface m-gigabitethernet 1/0/0/1

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/1] mad arp enable

You need to assign a domain ID (range: 0-4294967295)

[Current domain ID is: 1]:

The assigned domain ID is: 1

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/1] quit

# Save the running configuration to the next-startup configuration file.

[Sysname] save

2. Configure Device C (a switch that supports ARP) as the intermediate device for ARP MAD:

CAUTION:

If the intermediate device is also in an IRF fabric, assign the two IRF fabrics different domain IDs for correct split detection. False detection causes IRF split.

# Create VLAN 3.

<DeviceC> system-view

[DeviceC] vlan 3

# Assign Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/0/2 to VLAN 3 for forwarding ARP MAD packets.

[DeviceC-vlan3] port ten-gigabitethernet 1/0/1 to ten-gigabitethernet 1/0/2

[DeviceC-vlan3] quit

Verifying the configuration

# Disconnect the IRF links between Device A and Device B. Verify that you can use 192.168.1.101 and 192.168.1.102 to log in to Device A and Device B, respectively. (Details not shown.)

# Execute the display mad verbose command on Device A and Device B to verify that MAD is correctly functioning, as follows:

· The Multi-active recovery state field displays Yes on one device and displays No on the other device.

· On each device, the IRF physical interfaces and management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1 are excluded from being shut down by MAD.

# Execute the display interface brief command on Device A and Device B to verify that the MAD shutdown action is performed correctly, as follows:

· On the device in Recovery state, all network interfaces have been shut down by MAD except the IRF physical interfaces and management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1.

· On the device not in Recovery state, no network interfaces are shut down by MAD.

Example: Configuring a two-chassis IRF fabric with BFD MAD and management IP configured on separate management Ethernet ports

IMPORTANT:

This example is also applicable to a two-chassis IRF fabric running ARP MAD or ND MAD, except that you must configure ARP MAD and ND MAD differently.

Network configuration

As shown in Figure 20, use Device A and Device B to set up a two-chassis IRF fabric.

Use management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/0 on Device A and Device B for device management purposes. Configure management IP addresses for the IRF fabric and each member device on the management port to meet the following requirements:

· The administrator can use the same management IP address to access the IRF fabric before and after an active/subordinate switchover.

· The administrator can access each member device for failure recovery through their respective management IP addresses after the IRF fabric splits.

Use management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1 to perform BFD MAD for IRF split detection.

Figure 20 Network diagram

‌

Analysis

To reduce the device reboot times when you set up an IRF fabric, use the following steps:

1. In standalone mode, complete IRF port configuration and other settings required for IRF setup.

2. Change the operating mode to IRF. Before the devices finish reboot, connect IRF physical interfaces. After the devices finish reboot, the IRF fabric is set up.

3. Configure MAD settings.

Restrictions and guidelines

When you configure management IP addresses, follow these restrictions and guidelines:

· To make sure you can access the IRF fabric at the same IP address after a master/subordinate switchover, use the ip address ip-address { mask-length | mask } command to configure a management IP address on the management port, in this example, on M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/0. You can use this address to access the IRF fabric as long as the fabric has not split. This address might be inaccesible for an IP conflict after the IRF fabric splits, because it exists on all member devices. In the context of IRF, this address is called a global management IP address.

· To access each member device for failure recovery after the IRF fabric splits, use the ip address ip-address { mask-length | mask } irf-member member-id command to configure a management IP address for each member device on the management port, in this example, on M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/0. In the context of IRF, this address is called a member-specific management IP address.

NOTE:

When you configure BFD MAD on a management Ethernet port, follow the restrictions and guidelines in "Configuring BFD MAD."

If you change the operating mode to IRF before binding IRF physical interfaces to IRF ports, use the following steps to ensure successful IRF setup:

1. Configure IRF port settings and other required settings.

2. Execute the save command to save the running configuration.

3. Execute the irf-port-configuration active command to activate the IRF port settings.

Setting up the IRF fabric

1. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device A:

# Bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 1/2.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 1

[Sysname] irf-port 2

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port2] quit

# Save the running configuration to the next-startup configuration file.

[Sysname] save

# Enable IRF mode.

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

Device A is a one-chassis IRF fabric after it reboots.

2. Configure settings for IRF setup on Device B:

# Assign member ID 2 to Device B, and bind Ten-GigabitEthernet 2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 3/0/1 to IRF-port 2/1.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] irf member 2

[Sysname] irf-port 1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 2/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] port group interface ten-gigabitethernet 3/0/1

[Sysname-irf-port1] quit

# Save the running configuration to the next-startup configuration file.

[Sysname] save

# Connect Device B to Device A, as shown in Figure 20.

# Enable IRF mode.

[Sysname] chassis convert mode irf

The device will switch to IRF mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in IRF mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

Device B reboots to join the IRF fabric that contains Device A.

Configuring management IP addresses

# Assign IP address 192.168.1.1/24 to the IRF fabric on management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/0.

<Sysname> system-view

[Sysname] interface m-gigabitethernet 1/0/0/0

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/0] ip address 192.168.1.1 24

# On management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/0, assign IP addresses 192.168.1.101/24 and 192.168.1.102/24 to IRF member device 1 (Device A) and IRF member device 2 (Device B), respectively. After the IRF fabric splits, the administrator can use IP addresses 192.168.1.101/24 and 192.168.1.102/24 to log in to Device A and Device B, respectively.

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/0] ip address 192.168.1.101 24 irf-member 1

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/0] ip address 192.168.1.102 24 irf-member 2

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/0] quit

# Exclude management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/0 from being shut down by MAD upon detection of multi-active collisions.

[Sysname] mad exclude interface m-gigabitethernet 1/0/0/0

Configuring BFD MAD

1. Configure the IRF fabric:

# Assign a MAD IP address to each IRF member device on management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1.

[Sysname] interface m-gigabitethernet 1/0/0/1

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/1] mad ip address 192.168.2.1 24 member 1

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/1] mad ip address 192.168.2.2 24 member 2

# Enable BFD MAD on management Ethernet port M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1.

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/1] mad bfd enable

[Sysname-M-GigabitEthernet1/0/0/1] quit

# Save the running configuration to the next-startup configuration file.

[Sysname] save

2. Configure Device C as the intermediate device for BFD MAD:

# Create VLAN 3.

<DeviceC> system-view

[DeviceC] vlan 3

# Assign Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/0/2 to VLAN 3 for forwarding BFD MAD packets.

[DeviceC-vlan3] port ten-gigabitethernet 1/0/1 to ten-gigabitethernet 1/0/2

[DeviceC-vlan3] quit

Verifying the configuration

# Disconnect the IRF links between Device A and Device B. Verify that you can use 192.168.1.101 and 192.168.1.102 to log in to Device A and Device B, respectively. (Details not shown.)

# Execute the display mad verbose command on Device A and Device B to verify that MAD is correctly functioning, as follows:

· The Multi-active recovery state field displays Yes on one device and displays No on the other device.

· On each device, the following network interfaces are excluded from being shut down by MAD:

¡ The IRF physical interfaces.

¡ Management Ethernet ports M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/0 and M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1.

# Execute the display interface brief command on Device A and Device B to verify that the MAD shutdown action is performed correctly, as follows:

· On the device in Recovery state, all network interfaces have been shut down by MAD except the IRF physical interfaces and management Ethernet ports M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/0 and M-GigabitEthernet 1/0/0/1.

· On the device not in Recovery state, no network interfaces are shut down by MAD.

Example: Restoring standalone mode

Network configuration

Break the IRF fabric in Figure 21, and change the operating mode of Device A and Device B from IRF to standalone.

Figure 21 Network diagram

‌

Procedure

IMPORTANT:

If the Layer 2 ports of a VLAN interface are distributed on both member devices, the restoration operation might introduce IP collision risks. The VLAN interface might be up on both devices. In this situation, modify the IP address of the VLAN interface on one device.

‌

1. Identify the master.

<IRF> display irf

MemberID Slot Role Priority CPU-Mac Description

*+1 0 Master 1 00e0-fc0a-15e0 DeviceA

1 1 Standby 1 00e0-fc0f-8c02 DeviceA

2 0 Standby 1 00e0-fc0f-15e1 DeviceB

2 1 Standby 1 00e0-fc0f-15e2 DeviceB

--------------------------------------------------

* indicates the device is the master.

+ indicates the device through which the user logs in.

The Bridge MAC of the IRF is: 000f-e26a-58ed

Auto upgrade : no

Mac persistent : always

Domain ID : 0

The output shows that Device A is the master.

2. Examine the configuration for VLAN interfaces.

If a VLAN interface has member ports on different member devices, change the IP address for the interface on each device to be unique.

3. Shut down IRF physical interfaces to disconnect all IRF links. In this example, shut down Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/2/0/1 and Ten-GigabitEthernet 1/3/0/1.

<IRF> system-view

[IRF] interface range ten-gigabitethernet 1/2/0/1 ten-gigabitethernet 1/3/0/1

[IRF-if-range] shutdown

[IRF-if-range] quit

4. Save the configuration.

[IRF] save

The current configuration will be written to the device. Are you sure? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait.....................................

The current configuration is saved to the active main board successfully.

Configuration is saved to device successfully.

5. Change the operating mode of Device A to standalone.

[IRF] undo chassis convert mode

The device will switch to stand-alone mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in stand-alone mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

Device A automatically reboots to complete the operating mode change.

6. Log in to Device B and change its operating mode to standalone.

<IRF> system-view

[IRF] undo chassis convert mode

The device will switch to stand-alone mode and reboot. Continue? [Y/N]:y

You are recommended to save the current running configuration and specify the configuration file for the next startup. Continue? [Y/N]:y

Please input the file name(*.cfg)[flash:/startup.cfg]

(To leave the existing filename unchanged, press the enter key):

flash:/startup.cfg exists, overwrite? [Y/N]:y

Validating file. Please wait...

Saved the current configuration to mainboard device successfully.

Slot 1:

Save next configuration file successfully.

Do you want to convert the content of the next startup configuration file flash:/startup.cfg to make it available in stand-alone mode? [Y/N]:y

Now rebooting, please wait...

Device B automatically reboots to complete the operating mode change.

02-Virtual Technologies Configuration Guide

Configuring an IRF fabric

Operating mode

IRF member roles

IRF member ID

MPU roles

Member priority

IRF port

IRF physical interface

IRF split

IRF merge

MAD

IRF domain ID

Detection

Command configuration restrictions

Suppressing SNMP notifications of packet drops on IRF physical interfaces

System operating mode

Maximum number of ECMP routes

Multicast forwarding mode

Independent multicast forwarding mode

About this task

Procedure

About this task

Procedure

About this task

Restrictions and guidelines

Procedure

About this task

Procedure

Connecting IRF physical interfaces

About this task

Restrictions and guidelines

Prerequisites

Procedure

Assigning IRF domain IDs

Actions on interfaces shut down by MAD

Restrictions and guidelines for configuring BFD MAD

Configuring BFD MAD on a VLAN interface

Configuring BFD MAD on a management Ethernet port

Restrictions and guidelines for configuring ARP MAD

Configuring ARP MAD on a VLAN interface

Configuring ARP MAD on a management Ethernet port

Restrictions and guidelines for configuring ND MAD

Configuring ND MAD on a VLAN interface

Configuring ND MAD on a management Ethernet port

About this task

Restrictions and guidelines

Procedure

About this task

Procedure

Optimizing IRF settings for an IRF fabric

Restrictions and guidelines

Procedure

Changing the priority of a member device

About this task

Procedure

Adding physical interfaces to an IRF port

Procedure

About this task

Restrictions and guidelines

Procedure

Enabling IRF auto-merge

About this task

Procedure

Configuring IRF bridge MAC address settings

About this task

Restrictions and guidelines for IRF bridge MAC address configuration

Specifying a MAC address as the IRF bridge MAC address

About this task

Restrictions and guidelines

Procedure

About this task

Restrictions and guidelines

Procedure

About this task

Restrictions and guidelines

Procedure

Display and maintenance commands for IRF

Example: Configuring a two-chassis IRF fabric with LACP MAD enabled on an aggregate interface

Network configuration