Product manual
AX Series Network Partition: Solution Guide [Basic] Second Edition
© 2009-2010 ALAXALA Networks Corporation. All rights reserved.
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3.3.1 Important points in the configuration
(1) Assign the VRF configuration only to the L3 core device
Assign the VRF configuration only to the L3 core device. No VRF setting is needed for any peripherals (ring
nodes, etc.) consisting of L2 networks. VRF IDs must be a number equal to or greater than 2. The upper limit of
the value is 125 when using GSRP.
(2) Disable spanning trees
Using VRF and GSRP requires the prohibition of spanning trees. You need to disable spanning trees (PVST+),
which are enabled by default.
(3) Activate VRF in the mode that uses GSRP
When configuring a system using GSRP, specify that GSRP is used for the L2 protocol.
This setting is performed using the vrf mode command. However, part of the devices (the BSU section of the
AX6700S and the PSP section for the AX6600S/AX6300S) must be restarted when changing the operating mode
using the vrf mode command. (A confirmation message will be displayed when the command is executed.)
(4) Assign VLANs to partitions (VRF)
The vrf forwarding setting in the VLAN interfaces defines which partition is assigned to which VLAN. If this
setting is omitted, the VLAN is assigned to the global network.
(5) Combine the use of the VLAN group and VLAN used in a partition to simplify configuration
In GSRP, a VLAN in the VLAN group can be set without depending on VRF, and various configurations can be
implemented, such as a system in which load balance is taken into consideration. However, the routing between
devices configured for GSRP requires an accurate design. When a network partition is combined with GSRP,
one of the ways to simplify such a design is to set the VLAN group used in VRF to the same VLAN group used
for GSRP. This method is beneficial, as the logical configuration of the system or operation during switching is
easy to understand.
(6) Use the GSRP Layer 3 redundant switching function
The two GSRP switches must have the same address as the server or terminal default gateway. Therefore,
enable the Layer 3 redundancy function.
(7) Specify the type of partition in which the routing protocol operates
As with VLANs, routing protocols must be assigned to one of the partitions. However, the method for specifying
VRF is different according to the routing protocols used.
For OSPF, define the VRF IDs using the router command, which specifies the use of OSPF. For RIP, define the
VRF instance as one of the ipv4 address families.
If there is no VRF setting, the protocol will operate in the global network.
(8) Remote control must be via the global network
If you want to remotely control VRF-enabled devices via telnet or FTP, you must use the global network.
Remote log collection (syslog) is available from any partition on a global network, starting from software
ver.11.2.