4 Posts
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1058
September 3rd, 2021 06:00
Typo in two-tier MLAG documentation?
I've always stacked switches before, but want to take advantage of the reduced downtime for firmware updates that MLAG allows. I'm following the documentation here: https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/common/powerconnect_nx00-usingmlag-whtppr_en-us.pdf
I'm following from page 16 / heading 5 - "Two-Tier MLAG Example"
I have 4 x N4032F switches I wish to set up in a two-tier configuration (representing 2-5 in the diagram), with 2 x N2048P switches acting as 1 & 6 in the diagram. So far so good.
The diagram shows MLAG Domain 1 & MLAG Domain 2.
I notice that for switches 2-5, there are instructions as follows:
vpc domain 1
My hopefully simple question is, should this be vpc domain 2 for switches 4-5? The less simple question might be, if not, why not?
Many thanks!
- Muzz -
1 Rookie
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19 Posts
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September 4th, 2021 13:00
VLT is only for the Force10 (OS9 & OS10) line of Dell switches. Primarily the S-series.
As for the document typo about the "vpc domain" the switch will allow you to choose any number you like between 1-255. The number is only locally significant as mentioned by DELL-Josh Cr at time stamp 04-20-2021 01:05 PM on thread https://www.dell.com/community/Networking-General/VPC-Domain-id-relevence/m-p/8027158#M90613.
This means while you are allowed to utilize the "vpc domain 1" on each and every MLAG switch but it is often considered best practice to have each pair be unique to each vcp pairing.
User guide:
https://downloads.dell.com/manuals/all-products/esuprt_ser_stor_net/esuprt_networking/esuprt_net_fxd_prt_swtchs/networking-n4000-series_user's-guide10_en-us.pdf?dgc=SM&cid=304571&lid=spr4746271785&RefID=dtw21_spr4746271785&linkId=116723789
Page 1080
"The VPC domain ID is not important except that it MUST be the same as the MLAG peer and SHOULD be different than any other MLAG partner"
In the end if you insist on setting up MLAG and you want each pairing to be on the same number then that is entirely up to you.
Dell-DylanJ
4 Operator
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2.9K Posts
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September 3rd, 2021 15:00
Hello,
Our network team doesn't recommend using MLAG, rather, the recommendation is to use VLT. Part of the reasoning for not recommending is MLAGis that it doesn't allow orphan ports. This would mean every interface MUST be in an LAG (port-channel) configuration. VLT is intended to be simpler.
Switcheroo
4 Posts
0
September 4th, 2021 01:00
I understand the limitations of MLAG, do the N4032F switches support VLT? I think for others' future reference it would be good to get an answer to the question about the typo (or not a typo) too please.
Switcheroo
4 Posts
0
September 4th, 2021 01:00
Having just attempted to use the vlt command on the switches, it appears it's not supported on the N4032F. So it would be great to get a reply to the original question please.