Cisco 3845 - Security Bundle Router Software Manual page 339

Configuring Flex Links and the MAC
Address-Table Move Update Feature
This chapter describes how to configure Flex Links, a pair of interfaces on the Cisco ME 3800X and
ME 3600X switch that are used to provide a mutual backup. It also describes how to configure the MAC
address-table move update feature, also referred to as the Flex Links bidirectional fast convergence
feature.
Note Flex Links and MAC address-table move update are not supported on ports configured with service
instances.
For complete syntax and usage information for the commands used in this chapter, see the command
reference for this release.
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Understanding Flex Links and the MAC Address-Table Move
Update
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Flex Links
Flex Links are a pair of a Layer 2 interfaces (switchports or port channels), where one interface is
configured to act as a backup to the other. The feature provides an alternative solution to the Spanning
Tree Protocol (STP), allowing users to turn off STP and still provide basic link redundancy. Flex Links
are typically configured in service provider or enterprise networks where customers do not want to run
STP on the switch. If the switch is running STP, it is not necessary to configure Flex Links because STP
already provides link-level redundancy or backup.
OL-23400-01
Understanding Flex Links and the MAC Address-Table Move Update, page 17-1
Configuring Flex Links and MAC Address-Table Move Update, page 17-7
Monitoring Flex Links and the MAC Address-Table Move Update, page 17-13
Flex Links, page 17-1
VLAN Flex Link Load Balancing and Support, page 17-2
Flex Link Multicast Fast Convergence, page 17-3
MAC Address-Table Move Update, page 17-6
C H A P T E R
Cisco ME 3800X and 3600X Switch Software Configuration Guide
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17-1