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Catalyst 2960 and 2960-S Switch Software Configuration Guide
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Chapter 37 Configuring EtherChannels and Link-State Tracking
Understanding Link-State Tracking
Note An interface can be an aggregation of ports (an EtherChannel ), or a single physical port in access or trunk
mode.
Figure 37-6 on page 37-22 shows a network configured with link-state tracking. To enable link-state
tracking, create a link-state group, and specify the interfaces that are assigned to the link-state group. In
a link-state group, these interfaces are bundled together. The downstream interfaces are bound to the
upstream interfaces. Interfaces connected to servers are referred to as downstream interfaces, and
interfaces connected to distribution switches and network devices are referred to as upstream interfaces.
The configuration in Figure 37-6 ensures that the network traffic flow is balanced as follows:
• For links to switches and other network devices
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Server 1 and server 2 use switch A for primary links and switch B for secondary links.
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Server 3 and server 4 use switch B for primary links and switch A for secondary links.
• Link-state group 1 on switch A
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Switch A provides primary links to server 1 and server 2 through link-stat e group 1. Port 1 is
connected to server 1, and port 2 is connected to server 2. Port 1 and port 2 a re the downstream
interfaces in link-state group 1.
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Port 5 and port 6 are connected to distribution switch 1 through link-state group 1. Port 5 and
port 6 are the upstream interfaces in link-state group 1.
• Link-state group 2 on switch A
–
Switch A provides secondary links to server 3 and server 4 through link-state group 2. Port 3 is
connected to server 3, and port 4 is connected to server 4. Por t 3 and port 4 are the downstream
interfaces in link-state group 2.
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Port 7 and port 8 are connected to distribution switch 2 through link-state group 2. Port 7 and
port 8 are the upstream interfaces in link-state group 2.
• Link-state group 2 on switch B
–
Switch B provides primary links to server 3 and server 4 through link-state group 2. Port 3 is
connected to server 3, and port 4 is connected to server 4. Por t 3 and port 4 are the downstream
interfaces in link-state group 2.
–
Port 5 and port 6 are connected to distribution switch 2 through link-state group 2. Port 5 and
port 6 are the upstream interfaces in link-state group 2.
• Link-state group 1 on switch B
–
Switch B provides secondary links to server 1 and server 2 through link-state group 1. Port 1 is
connected to server 1, and port 2 is connected to server 2. Por t 1 and port 2 are the downstream
interfaces in link-state group 1.
–
Port 7 and port 8 are connected to distribution switch 1 through link-state group 1. Port 7 and
port 8 are the upstream interfaces in link-state group 1.
In a link-state group, the upstream ports can become u navailable or lose connectivity because the
distribution switch or router fails, the cables are disconnected, or the link is lost. These are the
interactions between the downstream and upstream interfaces when link-state tracking is enabled:
• If any of the upstream interfaces are in the link-up state, th e downstream interfaces can change to or
remain in the link-up state.