Page 2 - Revisions; Date; Victor Teeter
2 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . Revisions Date Description Author March, 2014 1.1 includes limitation of partner switches, added clarification of types of ports that can be used in peer-links, and changes to topologies supported in new appendix. Victor Teeter January, 2014 1.0 Initial Release Victor...
Page 3 - Table of Contents
3 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . Table of Contents Revisions ............................................................................................................................................................................................. 2 Executive Summary .................................
Page 4 - Executive Summary; Failover in cases of failed cables or switches
4 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . Executive Summary Multi-switch Link Aggregation or MLAG is a feature that allows two Dell Networking switches to act as a single switch, provides multiple paths across the network with benefits like: Failover in cases of failed cables or switches Increased bandwid...
Page 5 - Introduction; Two examples of a single-tier MLAG topology
5 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . 1 Introduction MLAGs provide an active-active split aggregation deployment across two switches acting as one. MLAG creates a more resilient network with higher bandwidth capabilities. This white paper discusses MLAGs, how and when they are used, caveats to look out fo...
Page 6 - Caveats for Enabling MLAG; show vpc brief; Note; Consistency of MLAG Peers; information
6 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . 2 Caveats for Enabling MLAG There are a few limitations in implementing MLAGs: Two identical switch models are required to create MLAG peers. This means an N2048 can only be peered with another N2048, an N3024 with another N3024, and so on. Peer devices must use t...
Page 7 - Change any settings mentioned below on both; difficult to troubleshoot.
7 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . Change any settings mentioned below on both the MLAG peers when required. E nable MLAG only after the above settings are configured on the two peer switches. It is also recommended for MLAG to be temporarily disabled in order to make subsequent changes to the above se...
Page 8 - Supported Topologies; Topological parameter; # of MLAG domains per switch; Examples of MLAG topologies
8 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . 3 Supported Topologies MLAG topologies contain several options. They can be a single layer (only one pair of MLAG peer switches) or two layers (two pair of MLAG peer switches). The peer-link between peers can have anywhere from 1 to 8 active interfaces to create the l...
Page 9 - Single tier MLAG topology; feature vpc; command) on each one. Each column below contains commands; Secondary MLAG Peer N3048) Description of commands
9 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . 4 Single-Tier Example This example shows the configuration of the two MLAG peers with two MLAG partners. The default spanning tree configuration is used and spanning tree is disabled on the peer link. MLAG MLAG Secondary MLAG peer Peer-Link Primary MLAG peer Partner S...
Page 12 - Primary MLAG Peer; command on the primary shows the complete status of both peer; command on the secondary only shows the status of the; show interface port-channel; is another helpful tool to; Single-tier MLAG Peer; show interface port-channel 40
12 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . Primary MLAG Peer Secondary MLAG Peer ----------- Interface.............................................. Po40 Configured VLANs............................ 1,30 VPC interface state........................... Active Local Members Status ----------------- ------ Gi1/0/...
Page 13 - ogical topology of a 2-tier full mesh configuration; Server; Physical cabling of a 2-tier full mesh configuration
13 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . 5 Two-Tier Example Figure 5 shows a logical topology for a 2-tier fully meshed MLAG, offering full redundancy across all four MLAG peers. Six Dell N3024s are used for the example, however the same principals apply and the same commands can be used on the N2000 and N4...
Page 14 - Cable the configuration as shown.; BC; MLAG peers and the; DE; MLAG Peer B
14 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . In a full mesh, all eight ports joined together in the MLAG (four blue cables) are in the same port channel to achieve maximum redundancy. To configure the 2-tier in a full mesh configuration, follow the steps below: 1. Enter the commands below for each corresponding...
Page 16 - Connect all cables as shown in Figure 6.; command again from the primary switch to display all information
16 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . MLAG Peer D MLAG Peer E Description of commands description "MLAG-Partner-Link" exit interface gigabitethernet 1/0/2 channel-group 40 mode active description "MLAG-Partner-Link" exit interface gigabitethernet 1/0/14 channel-group 60 mode active switch...
Page 17 - “Number of VPCs operational” in the; command will show 0.
17 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . Note : Interfaces used to connect each peer to the partner switch LAG do not need to match on each peer. For instance, in the example above, one partner LAG interface connects to 1/0/47 on the primary peer while the other interface connects to 1/0/11 on the secondary...
Page 18 - B and D
18 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . Local Members Status ----------------- ------ Gi1/0/14 Up Peer Members Status ---------------- ------ Gi1/0/13 Up Local Members Status ----------------- ------ Gi1/0/13 Up Peer Members Status ---------------- ------ < * run command from Primary for this informatio...
Page 19 - Appendix; Unsupported Configurations; Figure 7 shows examples of configurations that are; not supported; . The first topology shows an MLAG; Unsupported peer configurations; Future support of MLAG with similar technologies; Mixed LAG configuration
19 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . Appendix A.1 Unsupported Configurations Figure 7 shows examples of configurations that are not supported . The first topology shows an MLAG peer attempting to connect with a Dell VLTi peer. The second topology shows an MLAG peer attempting to connect with a Cisco vPC...
Page 20 - Additional Resources; Referenced or recommended Dell publications:; Configuration details; Component; Switch
20 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . VLT is a feature similar to MLAG, but is available on the FTOS-based Dell Networking switches like the S4810. Each peer pair must use the same multi-chassis lag feature. This will provide the network with the same resiliency and improved bandwidth as when using MLAG ...
Page 21 - About Dell
21 Using MLAG in Dell Networks . About Dell Dell is a worldwide leader in data center and campus solutions which includes the manufacturing and distribution of servers, network switches, storage devices, personal computers, and related hardware and software. For more information on these and other p...