Extreme Networks Px Series manual Configuring Redundancy, Using Vrrp with the SummitPx1

8Configuring Redundancy

This chapter describes how to configure redundancy for the Px series application switch. For the SummitPx1, you use the industry standard VRRP. For the PxM, you use the Extreme Standby Router Protocol (ESRP).

The chapter contains the following sections:

•Using VRRP with the SummitPx1 on page 8-1

•Configuring Redundancy for the PxM on page 8-6

•Configuring a Default Gateway on page 8-8

Using VRRP with the SummitPx1

To reduce downtime, the SummitPx1 supports the deployment of redundant systems using VRRP, an industry standard failover mechanism (RFC 2338). In the event of the failure of the primary active system, the secondary system automatically takes over for the failed system.

VRRP uses a “phantom MAC” address at layer 2, which is negotiated using an election protocol. After one of the application switches is elected “active,” the application switches exchange keep-alive messages to ensure that the active system remains up. If the redundant system loses connectivity for 3 seconds, the redundant system assumes the active system is dead and it assumes traffic-forwarding duties. It promiscuously sends ARP responses to poison the layer 2 forwarding information for the previously active system and begin accepting traffic for the phantom MAC.

Px Series Application Switch Installation and Configuration Guide 8-1