Switch Clustering (SMLT/SLT/RSMLT/MSMLT) Supported Topologies and Interoperability with ERS 8600 / 5000 / 8300 / 1600
Table Of Contents
- Figures
- Tables
- 1. Overview
- 2. Platforms / Software Releases
- 3. Triangle Topologies
- 4. Square / Full Mesh Topologies
- 4.1 Layer 2 Core & Edge
- 4.2 Layer 3 Core (RSMLT/VRRP) & Layer 2 Edge Scenario 1
- 4.3 Layer 3 Core (RSMLT/VRRP) & Layer 2 Edge Scenario 2
- 4.4 Multicast Layer 2 Core (IGMP) & Edge (IGMP)
- 4.5 MSMLT Layer 3 Core (PIM-SM) & Layer 2 Edge (IGMP) Scenario 1
- 4.6 MSMLT Layer 3 Core (PIM-SM) & Layer 2 Edge (IGMP) Scenario 2
- 4.7 MSMLT Layer 3 Core (PIM-SM) & Edge (PIM-SM)
- 5. Switch Clustering – Best Practice Feature Support
- 6. Reference Documentation
Switch Clustering Supported Topologies and
Interoperability with VSP & ERS
3
avaya.com
July 2011
Abstract
This document is intended to show the various supported topologies and features for switch clustering on
the Virtual Services Platform 9000 and Ethernet Routing Switch portfolio. With each topology, please take
note to where bridging, routing, and multicast are configured as support will vary between switch types.
Acronym Key
Throughout this guide the following acronyms will be used:
Switch Clustering (SC)
Switch Clustering is the logical aggregation of two Virtual Services Platform 9000s or Ethernet Routing
Switch nodes forming one logical entity known as the Switch Cluster (SC). The two peer nodes in a SC
are connected via an Inter-Switch Trunk (IST). The IST is used to exchange forwarding and routing
information between the two peer nodes in the SC. Switch Clustering uses SMLT, SLT, RSMLT, or
MSMLT depending on the physical and logical network requirements. Switch Clustering is completely
transparent to edge devices which connect to the Switch Cluster.
SLT
Single Link Trunking uses port-based connections at the Switch Cluster core. This feature allows for two
uplinks per SLT group, one on each SC peer. The total number of SLT groups is based on the number of
ports on the core switch less two which are required for the IST.
SMLT
Split MultiLink Trunking uses MLT-based connections at the Switch Cluster core. This feature allows for
more than two uplinks per SMLT group. The total number of uplinks per group is limited by the number of
links per group supported on the edge device. The total number of groups is based on the number of MLT
groups supported on the core less one which is required for the IST.
RSMLT
Routed-SMLT (RSMLT) is an enhancement to SMLT enabling the exchange of Layer 3 information
between peer nodes in a Switch Cluster for unparalleled resiliency and simplicity for both L3 and L2.
RSMLT is deployed in any Layer 3 environment on the Switch Cluster; between multiple Switch Clusters
in a core, between a layer 3 device and the Switch Cluster, or between a layer 2 device and the Switch
Cluster. When deployed with a layer 2 edge, RSMLT is a superior alternative to VRRP – this feature is
known as RSMLT-Edge.
MSMLT
Multicast SMLT combines Switch Clustering with Layer 3 PIM-SM Multicast. The supported topologies will
vary based on the need for Layer 3 multicast routing in the core. These supported topologies are not
bound by the unicast bridging and routing functionality, but work in conjunction with them to create useful
design alternatives when both are required.