Cisco Gigabit Ethernet Switch Module for HP p-Class BladeSystem Software Configuration Guide

CHAPTER

15-1

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Configuring Flex Links and the MAC

Address-Table Move Update Feature

This chapter describes how to configure Flex Links, a pair of interfaces on the switch that provide a

mutual backup. It also describes how to configure the MAC address-table move update feature, also

referred to as the Flex Links bidirectional fast convergence feature.

Note For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, see the command

reference for this release.

The chapter consists of these sections:

• Understanding Flex Links and the MAC Address-Table Move Update, page 15-1

• Configuring Flex Links and MAC Address-Table Move Update, page 15-5

• Monitoring Flex Links and the MAC Address-Table Move Update, page 15-11

Understanding Flex Links and the MAC Address-Table

Move Update

This section contains this information:

• Flex Links, page 15-1

• VLAN Flex Link Load Balancing and Support, page 15-2

• MAC Address-Table Move Update, page 15-3

Flex Links

Flex Links are a pair of a Layer 2 interfaces (switch ports or port channels) where one interface is

configured to act as a backup to the other. The feature provides an alternative solution to the Spanning

Tree Protocol (STP). Users can disable STP and still retain basic link redundancy. Flex Links are

typically configured in service provider or enterprise networks where customers do not want to run STP

on the switch. If the switch is running STP, Flex Links is not necessary because STP already provides

link-level redundancy or backup.