using mlag in dell networks v1.3
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A Dell Deployment and Configuration Guide
Using MLAG in Dell Networks
A deployment guide for Dell Networking switches (version 1.3)
Dell EngineeringFebruary 2015
January 2014
d
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2 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
Revisions
Date Description Author
February 2015 1.3 contains full-mesh support with VLT, new method to single-
home devices to one Peer, and improvements on “show” reporting from the secondary Peer.
Victor Teeter
August 2014 1.2 clarifies native VLAN assignment on the Peer-Link; solutions
for single-homing a Partner device to one Peer.
March 2014 1.1 includes changes to full-mesh support with VLT, limitation
of Partner switches, and added clarification of ports that can be
used in Peer-Links.
January 2014 1.0 Initial Release.
©2015 Dell Inc., All rights reserved.Except as stated below, no part of this document may be reproduced, distributed or transmitted in any form or by any
means, without express permission of Dell.
You may distribute this document within your company or organization only, without alteration of its contents.
THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS-IS”, AND WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. IMPL IED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMED.
PRODUCT WARRANTIES APPLICABLE TO THE DELL PRODUCTS DESCRIBED IN THIS DOCUMENT MAY BE FOUND
AT: http://www.dell.com/learn/us/en/19/terms-of-sale-commercial-and-public-sector Performance of network
reference architectures discussed in this document may vary with differing deployment conditions, network loads, and
the like. Third party products may be included in reference architectures for the convenience of the reader. Inclusion
of such third party products does not necessarily constitute Dell’s recommendation of those products. Please consult
your Dell representative for additional information.
Trademarks used in this text:
Dell™, the Dell logo, Dell Precision™ ,OptiPlex™, Latitude™, PowerEdge™, PowerVault™, PowerConnect™,
OpenManage™, and Force10™ are trademarks of Dell Inc. Other Dell trademarks may be used in this document.
Cisco Nexus®, Cisco MDS®, Cisco NX-0S®, and other Cisco Catalyst® are registered trademarks of Cisco System Inc
Microsoft®, Windows®, Windows Server®, Internet Explorer®, MS-DOS®, Windows Vista® and Active Directory® are
either trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Red
Hat® and Red Hat® Enterprise Linux® are registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. in the United States and/or other
countries. Novell® and SUSE® are registered trademarks of Novell Inc. in the United States and other countries.
VMware®, Virtual SMP®, vMotion®, vCenter® and vSphere® are registered trademarks or trademarks of VMware, Inc.
in the United States or other countries. IBM® is a registered trademark of International Business MachinesCorporation. Broadcom® and NetXtreme® are registered trademarks of Broadcom Corporation. Qlogic is a registered
trademark of QLogic Corporation. Other trademarks and trade names may be used in this document to refer to either
the entities claiming the marks and/or names or their products and are the property of their respective owners. Dell
disclaims proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.
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3 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
Contents
1
Introduction .........................................................................................................................5
2
Caveats for Enabling MLAG ............................................................................................. 6
3 Supported Topologies ...................................................................................................... 8
4
Single-Tier Example .......................................................................................................... 9
5 Two-Tier Example ............................................................................................................ 13
6 Connecting Single-homed Partners ........................................................................... 19
7
MLAG with VLT ................................................................................................................ 22
8 Additional Resources ....................................................................................................... 31
Appendix ................................................................................................................................ 32
Support and Feedback ........................................................................................................ 33
About Dell .............................................................................................................................. 33
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4 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
Executive Summary
Multi-switch Link Aggregation or MLAG is a feature that allows two Dell Networking switches to act as a
single switch, providing multiple paths across the network and offering benefits such as:
Failover in cases of failed cables or switches Increased bandwidth of up to double the bandwidth of a single switch
Elimination of port blocking and reconvergence delays of spanning tree
An MLAG domain is created by connecting a Dell Networking switch to another Dell Networking switch
through Peer-Link ports to create MLAG Peers (the two connected switches). Other switches directly
connected to the MLAG Peers are unaware that they are connecting to two switches, which appear as a
single switch on the network.
All links in the MLAG can carry data traffic across many physically diverse topologies. In the case of a link
or switch failure, traffic continues to flow with minimal disruption. MLAG optimizes availability and
bandwidth between attached devices in Dell’s Datacenter and Campus networking solutions.
The following Dell Networking N-series switches support MLAG and may be used in building the
configurations in this guide:
N2024 N3024 N4032
N2024P N3024P N4032F
N2048 N3024F N4064
N2048P N3048 N4064F
N3048P
Note: Dell N15xx Series switches do not support MLAG.
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5 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
1 Introduction
MLAGs provide an active-active split aggregation deployment across two switches acting as one,
creating a more resilient network with higher bandwidth capabilities. This guide discusses MLAGs,
how and when they are used, caveats to look out for, and instructions on how to implement MLAG
into your network.
Figure 1 shows two very basic examples of MLAG domains. In both examples, Peer switches are linked
together with a special LAG (one or more cables as denoted by red lines in the pictures below), called a
Peer-Link. Any non-management port on the switch can be used in the Peer-Link. With the Peer-Link
configured, the two switches appear as a single switch to Partner switches upstream and downstream.
Each Partner switch contains MLAGs that are simply LAGs (Link Aggregation Groups) whose cables are
split between the two Peers. Primary and secondary Peer roles are automatically assigned by the switch
firmware when MLAG is enabled.
MLAG
Secondary MLAG peerPeer-Link
MLAG
Secondary MLAG peer
Peer-Link
MLAG
Primary MLAG peer
Primary MLAG peer
Partner Switch
Partner Switch Partner Switch
MLAG domain
appears as a single
logical switch to
partner switches on
the network
Simple L2 MLAG
L3 MLAG with mulitple
partner switches
MLAG domain
MLAG domain
Two examples of a single-tier MLAG topology
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6 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
2 Caveats for Enabling MLAG
Here are a few requirements when implementing MLAGs:
Same series switch models are required to create MLAG Peers. This means any N2000 Series can
only be peered with another N2000 Series, an N3000 Series with another N3000 Series, and an
N4000 Series with another N4000 Series.
Peer devices must use the same expansion module type if ports from the expansion module are to
be part of the MLAG interface.
Neither of the two switches used as MLAG Peers may be stacked with other switches.
See the switch User Guide for additional information.
Spanning Tree
Examples shown in this paper are running Spanning Tree protocol RSTP. MLAG supports MSTP as well but
does not support RPVST. Be sure all devices have the appropriate configuration regarding the spanningtree protocol used.
Consistency of MLAG Peers
As mentioned above, the two switches used as MLAG Peers must be of the same switch series, along with
any expansion modules that may be used in the MLAG Peer-Link setup. There are also six areas in the
software configuration that must be given special attention to ensure they contain identical information
prior to enabling the MLAG. These areas are reflected in Figure 2.
MLAG peerpeer
linkMLAG peer
Link Aggregation
MLAG Port-channels
Interfaces
VLANs
Firmware
Spanning Tree
Link Aggregation
MLAG Port-channels
Interfaces
VLANs
Firmware
Spanning Tree
=
=
=
=
==
Consistent MLAG Peer configurations
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7 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
When changing settings in any of the areas listed below in Table 1, it is required that the settings be
modified on both MLAG Peer switches. Enable MLAG only after configuring the settings on both Peer
switches. Failure to make these areas identical may cause sporadic traffic issues on the network which are
difficult to troubleshoot.
It is recommended that MLAG be temporarily disabled when making changes to these settings.
Caution: Failure to make these settings identical on both Peers may cause sporadic traffic issues on the
network which can be difficult to troubleshoot.
Note: Be sure to schedule down time if making changes that may impact traffic or cause data loss.
Option category Settings that need to match on both MLAG Peers
Link Aggregation Hashing mode
Minimum linksStatic/dynamic LAG
LACP parameters
o
Actor parameterso Admin key
o Collector max-delayo Partner parameters
Spanning Tree Bpdufilter
Bpduflood
Auto-edgeTCN-guard
CostEdgeport
Root guardLoop guard
STP Version
STP MST VLAN configuration
STP MST instance configuration (instance ID,port priority, port cost/mode)
MLAG Port-channels Port-channel modeLink speed
Duplex modeMTU
Bandwidth
VLAN configuration
Interfaces PFC configurationCoS queue assignments
VLANs MLAG VLANs must be configured on both
MLAG Peers, and connect to two Partner LAGs.
Firmware Both Peers require the same firmware version
to operate correctly.
Misc. FDB entry aging timersStatic MAC entriesACL configuration
Table 1 Settings required to match between MLAG Peers
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8 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
3 Supported TopologiesMLAG topologies offer 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 link. With these and other variables, there are dozens of ways to setup an
MLAG. 0 lists all supported topology options.
Topological parameter Supported options
# of MLAG domains per switch 1
# of Peer switches per MLAG domain 2
# of interfaces per MLAG 2 to 8
# of interfaces per Peer-Link 1 to 8
# of MLAGs connecting to MLAG domain Limited only by number of ports available
# of layers 1 or 2
Table 2 Parameters for an MLAG topology
Figure 3 shows just a few examples of MLAG topologies that can be built using the MLAG feature. The red
lines show the Peer-Links between the primary and secondary Peer switches. The blue line in the bottom
diagram shows compatibility with VLT in a 2-layer topology. VLT is a technology similar to MLAG that is
used with certain Dell switches like the S4810. See the User Guide for the S4810 and other Dell switches
that use VLT for guidance on implementing a VLT.
full mesh
1 partner switch 3 partner switches
VLTi
2 partner switches
MLAG and VLT
QSFP+
M A S TE R
S Y S F AN P SU
R S -232
ETHERNETLNK A CT
4644424038363432302826242220181614121086420 48 56
5 2 6 0
SFP+
Fo rce10 S 4810P
QSFP+
M A S T ER
S Y S F A N P S U
R S -232
ETHERNETLNK A CT
4644424038363432302826242220181614121086420 48 56
52 60
SFP+
Fo rce10 S 4810P
full mesh
Examples of MLAG topologies
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9 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
4 Single-Tier ExampleFigure 4 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
Secondary MLAG peerPeer-LinkPrimary MLAG peer
Partner Switch BPartner Switch A
N3048 N3048
(47)
(48)
(11)
(12)
(1/0/1)
(1/0/1)
(30)
(29)
(28)
(27)
MLAG
Single-tier MLAG topology
To configure the two MLAG Peers in the basic configuration, follow the steps below:
1. Enter the following commands on both Peer switches before enabling MLAG (using the feature vpc
command) on each one. Each configuration is also attached in the left “attachment” column (click the
paperclip icon) that can be used to cut and paste into a CLI session.
Primary MLAG Peer (N3048) Secondary MLAG Peer (N3048) Description of commandsconfigurevlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"switchport mode trunk
vpc peer-link
exit
interface tengigabitethernet 1/0/1channel-group 1 mode active
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"
exit
interface port-channel 30
switchport mode trunk
vpc 30exit
configurevlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"switchport mode trunk
vpc peer-link
exit
interface tengigabitethernet 1/0/1channel-group 1 mode active
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"
exit
interface port-channel 30
switchport mode trunk
vpc 30exit
Create a VLAN for MLAG and all
Partner traffic
Configure the port channel for
the Peer-Link
- must be trunk mode
Identify and configure the
Peer-Link interface
-Peer-Link requires a native
VLAN (i.e. VLAN 1 or otherVLAN made native)
Create a LAG for Partner switch
A to pass traffic
Assign a unique id for Partner
switch A
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10 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
interface port-channel 40
switchport mode trunk
vpc 40exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/47
channel-group 30 mode active
description "MLAG-Partner-link"exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/48
channel-group 40 mode activedescription "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
feature vpc
vpc domain 1
peer-keepalive enableexit
interface port-channel 40
switchport mode trunk
vpc 40exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/11
channel-group 30 mode active
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/12
channel-group 40 mode activedescription "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
feature vpc
vpc domain 1
peer-keepalive enableexit
Create a LAG (port-channel) for
Partner switch B to pass traffic
Assign a unique id for Partner
switch B
Assign interfaces to connect to
Partner A LAG (channel-group)
Assign interfaces to connect to
Partner B LAG (channel-group)
Enable the MLAG
Partner Switch A Partner Switch B Description of commandsconfigurevlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1switchport mode trunk
exit
interface gi1/0/27
channel-group 1 mode activeexit
interface gi1/0/28channel-group 1 mode active
exit
interface range gi1/0/xx-yy
switchport mode accessswitchport access vlan 30
exit
configurevlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1switchport mode trunk
exit
interface gi1/0/29
channel-group 1 mode activeexit
interface gi1/0/30channel-group 1 mode active
exit
interface range gi1/0/xx-yy
switchport mode accessswitchport access vlan 30
exit
create same VLAN on Partners
configure the port channel
trunk for the Partner link
Assign interfaces to MLAG
(channel-group)
Assign interfaces to MLAG
(channel-group)
Assign additional ports to the
VLAN only for hosts that will be
using the MLAG
The Peer-Link requires a native VLAN to be configured. It can use VLAN 1 (the default native VLAN) or
another VLAN that has been set to native. This is a limitation of the Peer-Link keep alive protocol.
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 Peer.
2. Connect all cables as shown in Figure 4, or use the checklist in Error! Reference source not found..
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11 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
Primary MLAG Peer
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐ Primary MLAG Peer / 1/0/1 Secondary MLAG Peer / 1/0/1
☐ Primary MLAG Peer / 1/0/47 Partner Switch A / 1/0/27
☐ Primary MLAG Peer / 1/0/48 Partner Switch B / 1/0/30
Secondary MLAG Peer
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐ Secondary MLAG Peer / 1/0/11 Partner Switch A / 1/0/28
☐ Secondary MLAG Peer / 1/0/12 Partner Switch B / 1/0/29
Table 3 Cabling checklist for the single tier example
3. Run the show vpc brief command on either MLAG Peer to to display all information for both Peers.
Primary MLAG Peer Secondary MLAG Peer
show vpc brief
VPC domain ID.................................... 1
VPC admin status............................... EnabledKeep-alive admin status................... Enabled
VPC operational status..................... Enabled
Self role................................................ PrimaryPeer role.............................................. Secondary
Peer detection admin status........... DisabledOperational VPC MAC...................... ECF4.BBF5.2502
Operational VPC system priority…. 32767
Peer-Link details
-----------------Interface.................................................. Po1
Peer-link admin status......................... EnabledPeer-link STP admin status................. Disabled
Configured VLANs................................. 1,30
Egress tagged VLANs............................ 30
VPC Details-----------
Number of VPCs configured...................... 2
Number of VPCs operational..................... 2
VPC id# 30
-----------Interface.................................................... Po30
Configured VLANs.................................. 1,30VPC interface state................................. Active
show vpc brief
VPC domain ID........................................ 1
VPC admin status................................... EnabledKeep-alive admin status....................... Enabled
VPC operational status......................... Enabled
Self role........ ................. ............. ............ SecondaryPeer role...... ............... ............... ............ Primary
Peer detection admin status............... DisabledOperational VPC MAC.......................... ECF4.BBF5.2502
Operational VPC system priority…….. 32767
Peer-Link details
-----------------Interface.................................................. Po1
Peer-link admin status......................... EnabledPeer-link STP admin status................. Disabled
Configured VLANs................................. 1,30
Egress tagged VLANs............................ 30
VPC Details-----------
Number of VPCs configured...................... 2
Number of VPCs operational..................... 2
VPC id# 30
-----------Interface.................................................... Po30
Configured VLANs.................................. 1,30VPC interface state................................. Active
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12 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
Local Members Status
----------------- ------
Gi1/0/47 Up
Peer Members Status---------------- ------
Gi1/0/11 Up
VPC id# 40
-----------Interface.............................................. Po40
Configured VLANs............................ 1,30VPC interface state........................... Active
Local Members Status----------------- ------
Gi1/0/48 Up
Peer Members Status
---------------- ------Gi1/0/12 Up
Local Members Status
----------------- ------
Gi1/0/11 Up
Peer Members Status---------------- ------
Gi1/0/47 Up
VPC id# 40
-----------Interface............................................ Po40
Configured VLANs.......................... 1,30VPC interface state......................... Active
Local Members Status----------------- ------
Gi1/0/12 Up
Peer Members Status
---------------- ------Gi1/0/48 Up
Results of the command should be the same as shown above. All member ports must show UP, and the
VPC interface state must show Active. When Partner switches are correctly configured with MLAGs and
connected to the MLAG Peers, the Number of VPCs operational in the show vpc brief command will
show 1 or more. A value of 0 indicates the Partner switches are not properly configured.
The show interface port-channel is another helpful tool to verify if the configured LAG ports are up and
running. This command can be run on both the primary and secondary Peers on a single layer MLAG
topology. If correctly configured, the port(s) in the LAG are listed with an Active status. If there are any
inactive ports, check for cabling or configuration issues.
Single-tier MLAG Peer show interface port-channel 40Channel Ports Ch-Type Hash Type Min-links Local Prf
------- ----------------------------- -------- --------- --------- ----
Po40 Active: Gi1/0/48 Dynamic 7 1 Disabled
Hash Algorithm Type1 - Source MAC, VLAN, EtherType, source module and port Id
2 - Destination MAC, VLAN, EtherType, source module and port Id
3 - Source IP and source TCP/UDP port4 - Destination IP and destination TCP/UDP port
5 - Source/Destination MAC, VLAN, EtherType, source MODID/port6 - Source/Destination IP and source/destination TCP/UDP port
7 - Enhanced hashing mode
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14 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
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 two-tier in a full mesh configuration, follow the steps below:
1. Enter the commands below for each corresponding switch in the topology.
2.
Cable the configuration as shown in Figure 6 or use the checklist in Table 4.
3. Enable MLAG (using the feature vpc command) on each switch.
Similar commands are performed on all four MLAG Peer switches. MLAG Peers B and C are required to be
consistent in their configurations following the guidelines set above in the Consistency of MLAG
Peers section. MLAG Peers D and E also follow consistency requirements. Though MLAG Partner switches
A and F may have similar configurations in this particular scenario, they have no such consistency
requirements to each other or to the Peer switches.
Each configuration below is also attached in the left “attachment” column (click the paperclip icon) that
can be used to cut and paste into a CLI session. Command sections are color-coded for easier reading.
MLAG Peer B MLAG Peer C Description of commands
configurevlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"switchport mode trunk
vpc peer-link
exit
interface tengigabitethernet 1/0/1
channel-group 1 mode activedescription "MLAG-Peer-Link"
exit
interface port-channel 40switchport mode trunkvpc 40
exit
interface port-channel 50switchport mode trunk
vpc 50
exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/1channel-group 40 mode activedescription "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/2
channel-group 40 mode activedescription "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
configurevlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"switchport mode trunk
vpc peer-link
exit
interface tengigabitethernet 1/0/1
channel-group 1 mode activedescription "MLAG-Peer-Link"
exit
interface port-channel 40switchport mode trunkvpc 40
exit
interface port-channel 50switchport mode trunk
vpc 50
exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/1channel-group 40 mode activedescription "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/2
channel-group 40 mode activedescription "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
Create a VLAN for MLAG and
all Partner traffic
Configure the port channel for
the BC peer link
- must be trunk mode
Identify and configure the BC
peer link interfaces
Create a LAG (port-channel)
for Partner switch DE to pass
traffic
Assign a unique id for Partner
Create a LAG (port-channel)
for Partner switch A to pass
traffic
Assign a unique id for Partner
Assign interfaces to connectto Partner E ’s half of full mesh
LAG
Assign interfaces to connect
to Partner D ’s half of full mesh
LAG
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15 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/14
channel-group 50 mode activeswitchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 30exit
feature vpcvpc domain 1
peer-keepalive enableexit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/13
channel-group 50 mode activeswitchport mode trunk
switchport trunk allowed vlan 30exit
feature vpcvpc domain 1
peer-keepalive enableexit
Assign interfaces to VLAN that
will connect to Partner A’s LAG
-put both 13 and 14 into same
LAG 50
Enable the MLAG BC and DE must be in
separate domains
MLAG Peer D MLAG Peer E Description of commands
configure
vlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"switchport mode trunk
vpc peer-linkexit
interface tengigabitethernet 1/0/1channel-group 1 mode active
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"exit
interface port-channel 40switchport mode trunk
vpc 40exit
interface port-channel 60switchport mode trunk
vpc 60exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/1channel-group 40 mode active
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/2channel-group 40 mode active
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/14channel-group 60 mode active
switchport mode trunkswitchport trunk allowed vlan 30
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
feature vpc
configure
vlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"switchport mode trunk
vpc peer-linkexit
interface tengigabitethernet 1/0/1channel-group 1 mode active
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"exit
interface port-channel 40switchport mode trunk
vpc 40exit
interface port-channel 60switchport mode trunk
vpc 60exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/1channel-group 40 mode active
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/2channel-group 40 mode active
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"exit
interface gigabitethernet 1/0/13channel-group 60 mode active
switchport mode trunkswitchport trunk allowed vlan 30
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
feature vpc
Create a VLAN for MLAG and
all Partner traffic
Configure the port channel for
the DE peer link
- must be trunk mode
Identify and configure the DE
peer link interfaces
Create a LAG (port-channel)
for Partner switch BC to pass
traffic
Assign a unique id for Partner
Create a LAG (port-channel)for Partner switch F to pass traffic
Assign a unique id for Partner
Assign interfaces to connect
to Partner B ‘s half of full mesh
MLAG
Assign interfaces to connect
to Partner C ‘s half of full mesh
LAG
Assign interfaces to VLAN that
will connect to Partner F ’s LAG
-put both 13 and 14 into same
LAG 60
Enable the MLAG
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16 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
vpc domain 2
peer-keepalive enable
exit
vpc domain 2
peer-keepalive enable
exit
BC and DE must be in
separate domains
Partner Switch A Partner Switch F Description of commandsconfigure
vlan 30exit
interface port-channel 1
switchport mode trunk
exit
interface gi1/0/13channel-group 1 mode active
exit
interface gi1/0/14
channel-group 1 mode active
exit
interface gi1/0/23switchport mode accessswitchport access vlan 30
exit
configure
vlan 30exit
interface port-channel 1
switchport mode trunk
exit
interface gi1/0/13channel-group 1 mode active
exit
interface gi1/0/14
channel-group 1 mode active
exit
interface gi1/0/24switchport mode accessswitchport access vlan 30
exit
create same VLAN on Partners
configure the port channel
trunks for the Partner links
Assign first interface to LAG
(channel-group)
Assign second interface to
LAG (channel-group)
Assign additional ports to the
VLAN only for hosts that will be
using the MLAG
Connect all cables as shown in Figure 6 on page 13 or use the checklist below in Table 4. Port 23 in switch
A connects to the Server, and port 24 in switch F connects to the PC client.
Note: Peers B and C are in their own MLAG domain. Peers D and E are also in their own MLAG
domain. Each domain views the other as a partner.
MLAG Peer A
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐ MLAG Partner A 1/0/13 MLAG Peer C 1/0/13
☐ MLAG Partner A 1/0/14 MLAG Peer B 1/0/14
MLAG Peer B
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐ MLAG Peer B Te/0/1 MLAG Peer C Te/0/1
☐ MLAG Peer B 1/0/1 MLAG Peer E 1/0/1
☐
MLAG Peer B 1/0/2 MLAG Peer D 1/0/1
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17 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
MLAG Peer C
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐
MLAG Peer C 1/0/1 MLAG Peer E 1/0/2
☐
MLAG Peer C 1/0/2 MLAG Peer D 1/0/2
MLAG Peer D
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐
MLAG Peer D / Te0/1 MLAG Peer E / Te0/1
☐
MLAG Peer D / 1/0/14 MLAG Partner F / 1/0/14
MLAG Peer E
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐
MLAG Peer E / 1/0/13 MLAG Partner F / 1/0/13
Table 4 Cabling checklist for the two-tier example
4. Run the show vpc brief command on either MLAG Peer to display information for both Peers.
Note: Interfaces used to connect each Peer to the Partner switch LAG are not required 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 Peer. It is not required that both
Peers use port 1/0/47 or port 1/0/11.
Note: The Partner switches must be configured with LAGs and be connected to the MLAG Peers, or the
“Number of VPCs operational” in the show vpc brief command will show 0.
MLAG Peer B (Primary Peer) MLAG Peer C (Secondary Peer)show vpc brief
VPC domain ID...................................... 1VPC admin status............................... Enabled
Keep-alive admin status................... EnabledVPC operational status..................... Enabled
Self role................................................ Primary
Peer role.............................................. SecondaryPeer detection admin status........... Disabled
Operational VPC MAC...................... ECF4.BBF6.2512
Operational VPC system priority…. 32767
Peer-Link details-----------------
Interface.................................................. Po1
Peer-link admin status......................... EnabledPeer-link STP admin status................. Disabled
Configured VLANs................................ 1,30Egress tagged VLANs............................ 30
show vpc brief
VPC domain ID...................................... 1VPC admin status............................... Enabled
Keep-alive admin status................... EnabledVPC operational status..................... Enabled
Self role................................................ Secondary
Peer role.............................................. PrimaryPeer detection admin status........... Disabled
Operational VPC MAC...................... ECF4.BBF6.2512
Operational VPC system priority…. 32767
Peer-Link details-----------------
Interface.................................................. Po1
Peer-link admin status......................... EnabledPeer-link STP admin status................. Disabled
Configured VLANs................................. 1,30Egress tagged VLANs............................ 30
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18 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
VPC Details
-----------
Number of VPCs configured...................... 2Number of VPCs operational..................... 2
VPC id# 40
-----------
Interface................................................ Po40Configured VLANs............................... 1,30
VPC interface state............................. Active
Local Members Status----------------- ------
Gi1/0/1 Up
Gi1/0/2 Up
Peer Members Status
---------------- ------Gi1/0/1 Up
Gi1/0/2 Up
VPC id# 50-----------
Interface................................................ Po50
Configured VLANs............................... 1,30VPC interface state............................. Active
Local Members Status
----------------- ------Gi1/0/14 Up
Peer Members Status---------------- ------
Gi1/0/13 Up
VPC Details
-----------
Number of VPCs configured...................... 2Number of VPCs operational..................... 2
VPC id# 40
-----------
Interface................................................ Po40Configured VLANs............................... 1,30
VPC interface state............................. Active
Local Members Status----------------- ------
Gi1/0/1 Up
Gi1/0/2 Up
Peer Members Status
---------------- ------Gi1/0/1 Up
Gi1/0/2 Up
VPC id# 50-----------
Interface................................................ Po50
Configured VLANs............................... 1,30VPC interface state............................. Active
Local Members Status
----------------- ------
Gi1/0/13 Up
Peer Members Status---------------- ------
Gi1/0/14 Up
All member ports must show UP, and the VPC interface state must show Active.
The show interface port-channel is another helpful tool to let you know if the configured LAGs are up and
running. When correctly configured, ports in the LAG are listed with an Active status. Inactive ports are
usually a sign of a cabling or configuration issue.
MLAG Peersshow interface port-channel 40
Channel Ports Ch-Type Hash Type Min-links Local Prf
------- ----------------------------- -------- --------- --------- ----
Po40 Active: Gi1/0/1, Gi1/0/2 Dynamic 7 1 Disabled
Hash Algorithm Type
1 - Source MAC, VLAN, EtherType, source module and port Id2 - Destination MAC, VLAN, EtherType, source module and port Id
3 - Source IP and source TCP/UDP port4 - Destination IP and destination TCP/UDP port
5 - Source/Destination MAC, VLAN, EtherType, source MODID/port
6 - Source/Destination IP and source/destination TCP/UDP port7 - Enhanced hashing mode
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19 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
6 Connecting Single-homed PartnersSingle-homing a device by attaching it to only one Peer does not actually create an MLAG “Partner.”
When configuring an MLAG topology, Partner devices (switches, servers, storage, or other) must use an
MLAG link aggregation that spans both MLAG Peers in order to be a Partner. Using only one cable or port-
channel going into only one of the MLAG Peers (Figure 7) does not take advantage of the multiple path
MLAG and can lead to data loss.
MLAG peerPeer-Link
MLAG peer
X X
Device A
Device B
Unsupported single-homed Partner devices
Traffic to and from non-redundant ports is filtered and never crosses the MLAG Peer-Link. Such
ports/VLANs need to obtain connectivity via an alternative to the MLAG-connected ports/VLANs. There are
three ways to circumvent the problem of a singled-homed device that allows it to attach and pass traffic
through the MLAG topology.
Solution 1
The first solution, as shown in Figure 8, shows single-homed devices attaching to only one MLAG Peer.An extra port-channel connection between the MLAG Peers allows for non-MLAG VLAN traffic from the
single-homed devices to cross from one Peer to the other. This can only be run in an MSTP environment
and is not supported when running RSTP. For this example, VLANs 1-39 are used in the MLAG, with VLAN
40 dedicated to be used only by devices with non-redundant links. No MLAG benefits are achieved for
these attached devices when using this method.
MLAG peerPeer-Link
MLAG
MLAG peer
PartnerDevice
Device
VLAN 40
VLAN 40VLAN 40 VLAN 40
VLANs 1-39
MSTP
Environment
Solution 1 - Adding a VLAN link between the MLAG Peers
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20 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
MLAG interfaces and non-redundant ports cannot be members of the same VLAN, i.e. a VLAN may contain
MLAG interfaces or a VLAN may contain non-redundant ports, but not both.
Note: Solution 1 can be ran in an MSTP environment only. The MSTP domain should always be named
in order for the peer-link to remain unblocked.
Solution 2As shown in Figure 9, the second solution is to configure one or more MLAG Partner switches between
the MLAG Peers and the devices that require a single link. The single-homed devices (e.g. A, B, C, and D)
can then pass traffic across the MLAG domain.
M L A GM L A G
MLAG peerPeer-Link
MLAG peer
Partner Y Partner ZConnecting single-homed
devices to Partner devices
already configured for MLAG
Device A Device CDevice B Device D
Solution 2 - Connecting devices to a Partner switch
Solution 3A third solution, as shown in Figure 10, is achieved through multi-homing the Partner device, and thereby
creating an MLAG. By adding one or more cables to the device, creating a LAG, and splitting the LAG with
half of the cables going to one MLAG Peer, and half going to the other MLAG Peer, the redundant multi-
path advantage is attained. Attaching to a minimum of two Partner devices is mandatory in order to take
advantage of MLAG.
M L A G
M L A G
MLAG peerPeer-Link
MLAG peer
Partner A
Partner B
Solution 3 – Muli-homed, Multi-switch LAG (MLAG)
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21 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
Explaining the MLAG method (solution 3) is the primary purpose of this guide, and a complete explanation
including N-Series switch configurations for this topology are found in the
Single-Tier Example on page 9. To configure link aggregation for servers, storage, or other devices,
consult the User Guides for the NICs being used in those devices.
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22 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
7 MLAG with VLTMLAG can also be used in combination with Virtual Link Trunking (VLT). VLT is the technology similar to
MLAG that can be implemented on certain Dell switches like the S4810. Figure 11 shows MLAG Peers on
one layer and VLT Peers on the second layer, with a full-mesh LAG. The orange line shows the VLTi (VLT
interconnect) for the VLT domain and the red line shows the Peer-Link for the MLAG domain. The top and
bottom partner switches (labeled A and F ) may be any switch model.
Peer-Link
MLAG
VLTiS4810 S4810
LAG
LAG
B. C.
D. E.
F.
A.
full mesh
N4032 N4032
QSFP+
M A S T E
R
S Y S
F A N
P S U
RS-232
ETHERNETL NK A CT
4644424038363432302826242220181614121086420 48 56
52 60
SFP+
Force10 S4810P
QSFP+
M A S T E
R
S Y S
F A N
P S U
RS-232
ETHERNETL NK A CT
4644424038363432302826242220181614121086420 48 56
52 60
SFP+
Force10 S4810P
19 21 23
20 2 2 2 4
17
18
11 13 1 5
12 14 1 6
9
10
3 5 7
4 6 8
1
2
ACTLNK 19 21 23
20 22 24
17
18
1 1 1 3 15
1 2 1 4 16
9
10
3 5 7
4 6 8
1
2
ACTLNK
Mixed full-mesh LAG using MLAG and VLT
This topology is similar to the one shown in Figure 5 on page 13 but replaces B and C with S4810 switchesand D and E with N4032 switches in order to illustrate compatibility of VLT with MLAG protocols. This
particular scenario also provides a full-mesh 10 GbE solution. 40 GbE interfaces will be used for the VLTi
and Peer-Link connections.
Note: Other 10 GbE solutions include using all N4000 Series switches (MLAG only) or all S4810 switches
(VLT only) for “BCDE ”.
Figure 12 shows the physical layout of the same topology as it might appear in a rack, including cabling
and attached hosts that need to communicate across the MLAG/VLT. The same color scheme is used for
the cables in Figure 12 that was used to show logical connections in Figure 11.
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23 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
Stack No.
1
2
1 2SFP+
3 5 7 9 11
4 6 8 10 1 2
13 15 17 19 21
14 16 18 2 0 22 24
L N K A C T1
2 COMBO P
23
L NK A CT
Stack No.
1
2
1 2SFP+
3 5 7 9 11
4 6 8 10 12
13 15 17 19 21
14 16 18 20 22 24
L N K A C T1
2 COMBO P
23
L NK A CT
Server
PC
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
(23)
(1-2)
(24)
(56)
(Fo 2)
(Te 1-2)
Ports are denoted bythe port # inparenthesis.
Example:port 1/0/23
is shown as (23)
QSFP+
M A S T E R
S Y S
F A N
P S U
RS-232
ETHERNETLNK ACT
4644424038363432302826242220181614121086420 48 56
52 60
SFP+
Force10 S4810P
QSFP+
M A S T E
R
S Y S
F A N
P S U
RS-232
ETHERNETLNK ACT
4644424038363432302826242220181614121086420 48 56
52 60
SFP+
Force10 S4810P
19 21 23
20 22 24
17
18
11 13 15
12 14 16
9
10
3 5 7
4 6 8
1
2
ACTLNK
19 21 23
20 22 24
17
18
11 13 15
12 14 16
9
10
3 5 7
4 6 8
1
2
ACTLNK
(Te 1-2)
QSFP MODULE
ACT
LNK
ACT
LNK
QSFP MODULE
ACT
LNK
ACT
LNK
(Fo 2)
(22-23)
(22-23)
(56)
(1-2)
(1-2)
= LAG
(47)
(47)
(24)
(24)
Physical cabling of a two-tier MLAG/VLT full-mesh configuration
The configurations below are used in configuring this example.
Note: In a full mesh of MLAG-only peer switches (as shown in the two-tier example in Figure 5), each
peer pair must be in it's own MLAG domain. However, with a full mesh of one MLAG peer pair and one
VLT peer pair, each pair is already in their own domain within its’ protocol. For this reason, both peer
pairs may use the same domain number if desired.
Enter the commands for each corresponding switch in the topology, then cable the configuration as
shown in the above figure.
Configurations are also attached in the left “attachment” column that can be used to cut and paste into a
CLI session. Click the paperclip icon to expose the list of attachments. Command sections are color-
coded for easier reading.
VLT Peer B (S4810) VLT Peer C (S4810) Description of commands
configure
protocol spanning-tree rstpno disable
interface vlan 30no shutdown
exit
interface port-channel 1description "VLT-Peer-Link"
no ip address
channel-member Fo 0/56no shutdown
configure
protocol spanning-tree rstpno disable
interface vlan 30no shutdown
exit
interface port-channel 1description "VLT-Peer-Link"
no ip address
channel-member Fo 0/56no shutdown
Enable spanning tree, which is
disabled by default on the S4810
Create one or more VLANs for
Partner traffic
Configure the port channel for
the peer link
- can be different than DE
port channel
Assign the peer link interfaces
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exit
interface forty 0/56no shutdown
exit
vlt domain 1
peer-link port-channel 1back-up destination 172.25.194.24
primary-priority 1system-mac mac-address
aa:bb:cc:dd:12:34unit-id 0
exit
interface port-channel 40
no ip address
switchportrate-interval 30
vlt-peer-lag port-channel 40no shutdown
exit
interface Te 0/22
description “Link to MLAG" no ip address
port-channel-protocol LACPport-channel 40 mode active
no shutdown
exit
interface Te 0/23description “Link to MLAG"
no ip address
port-channel-protocol LACP
port-channel 40 mode activeno shutdown
exit
interface port-channel 50no ip address
switchport
rate-interval 30no shutdown
vlt-peer-lag port-channel 50exit
interface vlan 30
tagged port-channel 40,50
exit
interface Te 0/47
no ip addressport-channel-protocol LACP
port-channel 50 mode activeno shutdown
exit
exit
exit
interface forty 0/56no shutdown
exit
vlt domain 1
peer-link port-channel 1back-up destination 172.25.194.25
primary-priority 2system-mac mac-address
aa:bb:cc:dd:12:34unit-id 1
exit
interface port-channel 40
no ip address
switchportrate-interval 30
vlt-peer-lag port-channel 40no shutdown
exit
interface Te 0/22
description “Link to MLAG" no ip address
port-channel-protocol LACPport-channel 40 mode active
no shutdown
exit
interface Te 0/23description “Link to MLAG"
no ip address
port-channel-protocol LACP
port-channel 40 mode activeno shutdown
exit
interface port-channel 50no ip address
switchport
rate-interval 30no shutdown
vlt-peer-lag port-channel 50exit
interface vlan 30
tagged port-channel 40,50
exit
interface Te 0/47
no ip addressport-channel-protocol LACP
port-channel 50 mode activeno shutdown
exit
exit
Bring up the peer interfaces
Setup the VLT domain
-identify a port channel-provide the management
address of the other peer-lower priority will be primary
-provide a MAC for the pair-provide correct unit-id (0-1)
Create a LAG (port-channel)
for Partner switch DE
-put into L2 mode
-set rate interval
-port channel of peer (same
here for ease of remembering)
Assign interfaces to connect
to Partner D ’s half of full mesh
LAG
Assign interfaces to connect
to Partner E ’s half of full mesh
LAG
Create a LAG (port-channel)
for Partner switch A to pass
traffic
-put into L2 mode
-set rate interval
-port channel of peer (same
here for ease of remembering
Add the port-channels to
VLAN 30
Assign interfaces to VLAN that
will connect to Partner A’s LAG
-put both into same LAG 50
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MLAG Peer D (N4032F) MLAG Peer E (N4032F) Description of commands
configurevlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"switchport mode trunk
vpc peer-link
exit
interface forty 1/1/2channel-group 1 mode active
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"
exit
interface port-channel 40
switchport mode trunkvpc 40
exit
interface ten 1/0/1channel-group 40 mode active
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
interface ten 1/0/2channel-group 40 mode active
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
interface port-channel 60switchport mode trunk
vpc 60
exit
interface ten 1/0/24channel-group 60 mode activeswitchport mode trunk
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"exit
feature vpc
vpc domain 2
peer-keepalive enableexi
exit
configurevlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"switchport mode trunk
vpc peer-link
exit
interface forty 1/1/2channel-group 1 mode active
description "MLAG-Peer-Link"
exit
interface port-channel 40
switchport mode trunkvpc 40
exit
interface ten 1/0/1channel-group 40 mode active
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
interface ten 1/0/2channel-group 40 mode active
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"
exit
interface port-channel 60switchport mode trunk
vpc 60
exit
interface ten 1/0/24channel-group 60 mode activeswitchport mode trunk
description "MLAG-Partner-Link"exit
feature vpc
vpc domain 2
peer-keepalive enableexit
exit
Create a VLAN for MLAG and
all Partner traffic
Configure the port channel for
the DE peer link- must be trunk mode
Identify and configure the DE
peer link interfaces
Create a LAG (port-channel)
for Partner switch BC traffic
Assign a unique id for Partner
switch BC
Assign interfaces to connect
to B ‘s half of full mesh LAG
Assign interfaces to connect
to C ‘s half of full mesh LAG
Create a LAG (port-channel)
for Partner switch F to pass traffic
Assign a unique id for Partner
switch F
Assign interfaces to VLAN thatwill connect to Partner F’s LAG
-put both into same LAG 60
Enable the MLAG
Partner Switch A Partner Switch F Description of commandsconfigurevlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1
switchport mode trunkexit
configurevlan 30
exit
interface port-channel 1
switchport mode trunkexit
create same VLAN on Partners
configure the port channel
trunks for the Partner links
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interface te1/0/1
channel-group 1 mode activeexit
interface te1/0/2
channel-group 1 mode active
exit
interface gi1/0/23switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 30exit
exit
interface te1/0/1
channel-group 1 mode activeexit
interface te1/0/2
channel-group 1 mode active
exit
interface gi1/0/24switchport mode access
switchport access vlan 30exit
exit
Assign first interface to LAG
(channel-group)
Assign second interface to
LAG (channel-group)
Assign additional ports to the
VLAN only for hosts that will be
using the MLAG
Connect all cables as shown in Figure 12 on page 23 or use the checklist below in Table 5. Port 23 in
switch A connects to the Server, and port 24 in switch F connects to the PC client.
Partner Switch A
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐ Partner Switch A / Te0/1 VLT Peer B / 1/0/47
☐ Partner Switch A / Te0/2 VLT Peer C / 1/0/47
VLT Peer B
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐ VLT Peer B / 1/0/56 VLT Peer C / 1/0/56
☐ VLT Peer B / 1/0/22 MLAG Peer E / 1/0/1
☐
VLT Peer B / 1/0/23 MLAG Peer D / 1/0/1
VLT Peer C
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐
VLT Peer C / 1/0/23 MLAG Peer E / 1/0/2
☐
VLT Peer C / 1/0/22 MLAG Peer D / 1/0/2
MLAG Peer D
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐
MLAG Peer D / Fo0/2 MLAG Peer E / Fo0/2
☐
MLAG Peer D / 1/0/24 Partner Switch F / Te0/2
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27 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
MLAG Peer E
From Switch / Port To Switch / Port
☐
MLAG Peer E / 1/0/24 Partner Switch F / Te0/1
Table 5
Cabling checklist for the MLAG with VLT example
Run the show vpc brief command on one of the MLAG Peers to display information for the MLAG Peers.
Note: Interfaces used to connect each Peer to the Partner switch LAG are not required 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 Peer. It is not required that both
Peers use port 1/0/47 or port 1/0/11.
Note: The Partner switches must be configured with LAGs and be connected to the MLAG Peers, or the
“Number of VPCs operational” in the show vlt brief command will show 0.
MLAG Peer D (N4032F) MLAG Peer E (N4032F)
show vpc brief
VPC domain ID........................................ 2
VPC admin status................................... Enabled
Keep-alive admin status....................... EnabledVPC operational status......................... Enabled
Self role.................................................... PrimaryPeer role.................................................. Secondary
Peer detection admin status............... DisabledOperational VPC MAC.................... ECF4.BBF4.2402Operational VPC system priority........ 32767
Peer-Link details
-----------------
Interface.................................................. Po1Peer-link admin status......................... Enabled
Peer-link STP admin status................. EnabledConfigured VLANs................................. 1,30
Egress tagged VLANs............................ 30
VPC Details
-----------
Number of VPCs configured................. 2Number of VPCs operational................ 2
VPC id# 40
-----------Interface................................................ Po40
Configured VLANs............................... 1,30
VPC interface state............................. Active
show vpc brief
VPC domain ID........................................ 2
VPC admin status................................... Enabled
Keep-alive admin status....................... EnabledVPC operational status......................... Enabled
Self role.................................................... SecondaryPeer role.................................................. Primary
Peer detection admin status............... DisabledOperational VPC MAC........................ ECF4.BBF4.2402Operational VPC system priority........ 32767
Peer-Link details
-----------------
Interface.................................................. Po1Peer-link admin status......................... Enabled
Peer-link STP admin status................. EnabledConfigured VLANs................................. 1,30
Egress tagged VLANs............................ 30
VPC Details
-----------
Number of VPCs configured................. 2Number of VPCs operational................ 2
VPC id# 40
-----------Interface................................................ Po40
Configured VLANs............................... 1,30
VPC interface state............................. Active
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28 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
Local Members Status
----------------- ------
Te1/0/1 UpTe1/0/2 Up
Peer Members Status
---------------- ------
Te1/0/1 UpTe1/0/2 Up
VPC id# 60
-----------Interface................................................ Po60
Configured VLANs............................... 1,30
VPC interface state............................. Active
Local Members Status
----------------- ------Te1/0/24 Up
Peer Members Status
---------------- ------Te1/0/24 Up
Local Members Status
----------------- ------
Te1/0/1 UpTe1/0/2 Up
Peer Members Status
---------------- ------
Te1/0/1 UpTe1/0/2 Up
VPC id# 60
-----------Interface................................................ Po60
Configured VLANs............................... 1,30
VPC interface state............................. Active
Local Members Status
----------------- ------Te1/0/24 Up
Peer Members Status
---------------- ------Te1/0/24 Up
Results of the command should be the same as shown above. All member ports must show Up, and the
VPC interface state must show Active.
The show interface port-channel is another helpful tool to let you know if the configured LAGs are up and
running. If correctly configured, ports in the primary LAG are listed with an Active status. Inactive ports are
usually a sign of a cabling or configuration issue.
MLAG Peers
show interfaces port-channel 40
Channel Ports Ch-Type Hash Type Min-links Local Prf------- ----------------------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Po40 Active: Te1/0/1, Te1/0/2 Dynamic 7 1 Disabled
show interfaces port-channel 60
Channel Ports Ch-Type Hash Type Min-links Local Prf------- ----------------------------- -------- --------- --------- ---------
Po60 Active: Te1/0/24 Dynamic 7 1 Disabled
Run show vlt brief and other commands on one of the VLT Peers to display information for the VLT Peers.
ICL Link, Heartbeat, and VLT Peer Status should all show Up.
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29 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
VLT Peer B (Primary Peer) VLT Peer C (Secondary Peer)
show vlt brief
VLT Domain Brief
------------------
Domain ID: 1Role: Primary
Role Priority: 1
ICL Link Status: Up
HeartBeat Status: Up
VLT Peer Status: Up
Local Unit Id: 0
Version: 6(4)
Local System MAC address:
00:01:e8:8b:36:0e
Remote System MAC address:
00:01:e8:8b:3b:6f
Configured System MAC address:
aa:bb:cc:dd:12:34Remote system version: 6(4)
Delay-Restore timer: 90 seconds
Delay-Restore Abort Threshold: 60 seconds
Peer-Routing : Disabled
Peer-Routing-Timeout timer: 0 seconds
Multicast peer-routing timeout: 150 seconds
show vlt detail
Local LAG Id Peer LAG Id Local Peer VLANs-------------- --------------- ------- ------- ---------
40 40 UP UP 3050 50 UP UP 30
show running-config vlt
vlt domain 1
peer-link port-channel 1
back-up destination 172.25.194.24
primary-priority 1
system-mac mac-address aa:bb:cc:dd:12:34
unit-id 0
show vlt backup-link
VLT Backup Link
-----------------
Destination: 172.25.194.24
Peer HeartBeat status: Up
Destination VRF: default
HeartBeat Timer Interval: 1
show vlt brief
VLT Domain Brief
------------------
Domain ID: 1Role: Secondary
Role Priority: 2
ICL Link Status: Up
HeartBeat Status: Up
VLT Peer Status: Up
Local Unit Id: 1
Version: 6(4)
Local System MAC address:
00:01:e8:8b:3b:6f
Remote System MAC address:
00:01:e8:8b:36:0e
Configured System MAC address:
aa:bb:cc:dd:12:34Remote system version: 6(4)
Delay-Restore timer: 90 seconds
Delay-Restore Abort Threshold: 60 seconds
Peer-Routing : Disabled
Peer-Routing-Timeout timer: 0 seconds
Multicast peer-routing timeout: 150 seconds
show vlt detail
Local LAG Id Peer LAG Id Local Peer VLANs-------------- --------------- ------- ------- ---------
40 40 UP UP 3050 50 UP UP 30
show running-config vlt
vlt domain 1
peer-link port-channel 1
back-up destination 172.25.194.25
primary-priority 2
system-mac mac-address aa:bb:cc:dd:12:34
unit-id 0
show vlt backup-link
VLT Backup Link
-----------------
Destination: 172.25.194.25
Peer HeartBeat status: Up
Destination VRF: default
HeartBeat Timer Interval: 1
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HeartBeat Timeout: 3
UDP Port: 34998
HeartBeat Messages Sent: 257900
HeartBeat Messages Received: 257868
HeartBeat Timeout: 3
UDP Port: 34998
HeartBeat Messages Sent: 257877
HeartBeat Messages Received: 257879
Results of the command should be in proximity to those above. The Destination should show the
management IP address of the peer switch, and the Peer HeartBeat status should be Up.
Consult the S4810 User Guide or VLT Deployment Guide for additional information on implementing VLT.
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31 Using MLAG in Dell Networks v 1.3
8 Additional ResourcesSupport.dell.com is focused on meeting your needs with proven services and support.
DellTechCenter.com is an IT Community where you can connect with Dell Customers and Dell
employees for the purpose of sharing knowledge, best practices, and information about Dell products and
installations.
Referenced or recommended Dell publications:
Dell Networking Support
- http://www.dell.com/support
Dell TechCenter (community forums and blogs for Dell customers)
- http://delltechcenter.com
Dell Networking Whitepapers
-
http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/networking/p/guides
Dell Networking N2000/N3000/N4000 User Guides and Firmware downloads
- http://en.community.dell.com/techcenter/networking/p/guides#N-series
Configuration Details
This paper was compiled using the following components and versions.
Component Revision
Dell N2000, N3000, N4000 6.2.0.3
Dell S4810 Dell Application Software (Firmware) Version 9.6
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Appendix
Unsupported Configurations
The configurations and topologies found in this guide are supported. A few configuration models that are
not supported are discussed below.
Using different types of expansion modules in a Peer-Link is not supported. Peer devices must use the
same type of expansion module if ports from the expansion modules are to be part of the MLAG interface.
Stacking of either MLAG peer is not supported. Neither switch used as MLAG Peers may be stacked with
other switches.
Using two different series switch models as MLAG peers is not supported. Same series switch models are
required to create MLAG Peers. This means any N2000 Series can only be peered with another N2000
Series, an N3000 Series with another N3000 Series, and an N4000 Series with another N4000 Series.
Figure 13 shows another example of an unsupported configuration, attempting to connect an MLAG Peer
with a non-MLAG Peer, such as a VLTi (shown) or Cisco vPC/VSS Peer. These type of “mixed protocol”
scenarios are not supported with MLAG.
N3048
Peer-Link
LAG
VLTi
S4810QSFP+
M A S T E R
S Y S F A N P S U
RS-232
ETHERNETL N K A CT
4644424038363432302826242220181614121086420 48 56
5 2 6 0
SFP+
Force10 S4810P
X
Unsupported Peer configuration
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Support and Feedback
Contacting Technical Support
Support Contact Information Web: http://Support.Dell.com/
Telephone: USA: 1-800-945-3355
Feedback for this document
We encourage readers of this publication to provide feedback on the quality and usefulness of this
document by sending an email to Using MLAG in Dell Networks Feedback
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 products, please visit the Dell website at
http://www.dell.com
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