Specifications

ExtremeWare XOS 11.0 Concepts Guide 251
14 Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Overview on page 251
• Determining the VRRP Master on page 252
• Additional VRRP Highlights on page 254
• VRRP Operation on page 255
• VRRP Configuration Parameters on page 257
• VRRP Examples on page 258
This chapter assumes that you are already familiar with the Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol
(VRRP). If not, refer to the following publications for additional information:
• RFC 2338—Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP)
• RFC 2787—Definitions of Managed Objects for the Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol
• Draft IETF VRRP Specification v2.06
Overview
VRRP allows multiple switches to provide redundant routing services to users. VRRP is used to
eliminate the single point of failure associated with manually configuring a default gateway address on
each host in a network. Without using VRRP, if the configured default gateway fails, you must
reconfigure each host on the network to use a different router as the default gateway. VRRP provides a
redundant path for the hosts. Using VRRP, if the default gateway fails, the backup router assumes
forwarding responsibilities.
NOTE
Internet Group Management Protocol (IGMP) snooping must be enabled for VRRP to operate correctly.