Unit 6 – Assignment 6
The Cisco Resilient Ethernet Protocol (REP) is designed to meet fast convergence requirements for Layer 2 domains. Ideally suited for ring configurations, it uses a native Ethernet element (the segment) that allows support for other topologies as well. REP is compatible and complementary with standard IEEE 802.1 spanning-tree protocols. In particular, TCNs outside the segments allow REP and Spanning Tree Protocol to operate in adjacent segments. Furthermore, REP is very simple to implement, and with features such as preemption and VLAN load balancing, it can be appropriate for service provider applications. Finally, REP will be available on a wide range of Cisco Carrier Ethernet switching and edge router platforms, extending consistent network recovery capabilities across the Cisco IP NGN Carrier Ethernet Design
IRF technology extends network control over multiple active switches. Management of a group of IRFenabled switches is consolidated around a single management IP address, which vastly simplifies network configuration and operations. You can combine as many as nine HP A-series switches to create an ultra-resilient virtual switching fabric comprising hundreds or even thousands of 1-GbE or 10-GbE switch ports. One IRF member operates as the primary system switch, maintaining the control plane and updating forwarding and routing tables for the other devices. If the primary switch fails, IRF instantly selects a new primary, preventing service interruption and helping to deliver network, application, and business continuity for business-critical applications.
Within the IRF domain, network control protocols operate as a cohesive whole to streamline processing, improve performance, and simplify network operation. So routing protocols calculate routes based on the single logical domain rather than the multiple switches it represents. Moreover, edge or aggregation switches that are dual homed to IRF-enabled core or data center switches...