Chapter 1 Irf Fabric Configuration; Introduction To Irf; Establishment Of An Irf Fabric - H3C S5600 Series Operation Manual

Operation Manual – IRF Fabric
H3C S5600 Series Ethernet Switches

Chapter 1 IRF Fabric Configuration

When configuring IRF fabric, go to these sections for information you are interested in:

Introduction to IRF

IRF Fabric Configuration
Displaying and Maintaining IRF Fabric
IRF Fabric Configuration Example
1.1 Introduction to IRF
Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF), a feature particular to H3C S5600 series
switches, is a new technology for building the core of a network. This feature allows you
to build an IRF fabric by interconnecting several S5600 series switches to provide more
ports for network devices and improve the reliability of your network.

1.1.1 Establishment of an IRF Fabric

I. Topology and connections of an IRF fabric
An IRF fabric typically has a ring topology structure. As shown in
S5600 switch uses two special ports on the rear panel to connect with two other
switches in the fabric. The two ports are called fabric ports in general, UP port and
DOWN port respectively; the other ports of the switch, which are available for
connections with users or devices outside the fabric, are called user ports.
Figure 1-1 A schematic diagram of an IRF fabric
A correctly built IRF fabric features the following:
Multiple S5600 series switches are interconnected through their fabric ports.
Given a switch, its UP port is connected to the DOWN port of another switch, and
its DOWN port is connected to the UP port of a third one.
Port connection mode for S5600 series ring topology IRF fabric is shown in
Chapter 1 IRF Fabric Configuration
1-1
Figure 1-1, each
Figure 1-2.