Second-level virtual interfaces in a cluster

Second-level virtual interfaces in a cluster can provide additional protection

In a cluster, second-level virtual interfaces can provide additional protection against switch failures. Normally, in a cluster, network connectivity is maintained even if one filer fails. With second-level virtual interfaces, even if a switch fails, network connections are maintained. Network connections are maintained even in the case of a filer failure and a switch failure.

Normal cluster operation with second-level virtual interfaces

The following figure shows second-level trunks in a cluster. Both filers are in operations, and Filstlev1 in Secondlev1 connects Filer 1 to the network through Switch 1 and Firstlev 4 in Secondlev2 connects Filer 2 to the network through Switch 2.

Switch failure in a cluster with second-level virtual interfaces

If one of the switches fails, the following happens:

• If Switch1 fails, Firstlev2 and Firstlev 4 maintain the connection for their filers through Switch 2.
• If Switch2 fails, Firstlev1 and Firstlev 3 maintain the connection for their filers through Switch 1.

In the following figure, Switch 1 fails in a cluster. Firstlev2 takes over the connectivity of Firstlev 1 through Switch 2.

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Part No. 210-02334
File: net12.htm
Last updated: 02/24/99 12:16:03