Configuring Irf; Irf Overview; Benefits; Application Scenario - H3C S9500E Series Configuration Manual

Configuring IRF

IRF overview

You can use the H3C Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) technology to connect and virtualize multiple
switches into a virtual switch called an "IRF fabric" to provide data center class availability and
scalability. IRF virtualization technology offers processing power, interaction, unified management, and
uninterrupted maintenance of multiple switches.
NOTE:
Up to four switches of the same series can form an IRF fabric.

Benefits

IRF delivers the following benefits:
Simplified topology and streamlined management. An IRF fabric appears as one node on the
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network. You can log in at any member switch to manage all members of the IRF fabric.
Network scalability and resiliency. You can increase ports and network bandwidth of an IRF fabric
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simply by adding member switches.
High availability and reliability. The member switches in an IRF fabric work in redundant mode.
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One member switch works as the master to manage and maintain the entire IRF fabric, and other
member switches process services and provide backup. If the master fails, another member switch
is elected as the new master to prevent service interruption. You can perform link aggregation not
only for IRF links but also for physical links between the IRF fabric and its upper or lower layer
devices for link redundancy.

Application scenario

Figure 1 shows an IRF fabric that comprises two switches, which appear as a single node to the upper
and lower layer switches.
1