Smart Link Configuration; Smart Link Overview; Background - HP A5830 series Configuration Manual

Smart Link configuration

Smart Link overview

Background

To avoid single-point failures and guarantee network reliability, downstream devices are usually dual-
homed to upstream devices, as shown in
Figure 24 Diagram for a dual uplink network
To remove network loops on a dual-homed network, you can use a spanning tree protocol or the RRPP.
The problem with STP, however, is that STP convergence time is long, which makes it not suitable for
users who have high demand on convergence speed. RRPP can meet users' demand on convergence
speed, but it involves complicated networking and configurations and is mainly used in ring-shaped
networks.
For more information about STP and RRPP, see Layer 2—LAN Switching Configuration Guide and the
chapter "RRPP configuration."
Smart Link is a feature developed to address the slow convergence issue with STP. It provides link
redundancy as well as fast convergence in a dual uplink network, allowing the backup link to take over
quickly when the primary link fails. To sum up, Smart Link has the following features:
24.
Figure
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