Overview - Extreme Networks ExtremeWare XOS Guide Manual

11
Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol
This chapter covers the following topics:
• Overview on page 165
• Determining the VRRP Master on page 166
• Additional VRRP Highlights on page 168
• VRRP Operation on page 169
• VRRP Configuration Parameters on page 171
• VRRP Examples on page 172
This chapter assumes that you are already familiar with the Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol
(VRRP). If not, refer to the following publications for additional information:
• RFC 2338—Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP)
• RFC 2787—Definitions of Managed Objects for the Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol
• Draft IETF VRRP Specification v2.06

Overview

VRRP is a protocol that allows multiple switches to provide redundant routing services to users. VRRP
is used to eliminate the single point of failure associated with manually configuring a default gateway
address on each host in a network. Without using VRRP, if the configured default gateway fails, you
must reconfigure each host on the network to use a different router as the default gateway. VRRP
provides a redundant path for the hosts. If the default gateway fails, the backup router assumes
forwarding responsibilities.
NOTE
IGMP snooping must be enabled for VRRP to operate correctly.
ExtremeWare XOS 10.1 Concepts Guide 165