Configuring HP Networking IRF - Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF)

What is IRF?

Link to IRF White Paper

HPN’s Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) is an advanced technology that allows one to aggregate 2 or more switches into a single switching and routing system also known as a “virtual switch”. IRF is available on many of the HPN A-Series switches.

IRF offers the following key advantages:

• Load balancing, aggregation and redundancy at all levels and of all functions: Link, L2 and L3 Forwarding, Management and Security.
• Simplified LAN design: by aggregating switches at the core and distribution layer, the combination of MSTP and VRRP, with all the complexity it implies in design, implementation and maintenance, is no longer required to achieve load balancing and resiliency.

About This Configuration

This configuration will go through the basic set up two switches to form an IRF virtual switch. We will also implement an additional level of high availablity by simply creating multiple aggregated links using standard link aggregation. Once the configuration has been implemented and the devices have formed an IRF connection, we will verify IRF operation with a few commands.

Equipment Used in This Configuration

• (2) A5800-24G Part # JC100A
• (2) 0.65m Direct Attach Cables (DAC) Part # JD095B

IRF Diagram

IRF Virtual Device Configuration Procedure List

Before configuring an IRF virtual device, you need to define the roles and functions of all the members

for better planning. Because the configuration of some parameters takes effect after device reboot, you

are recommended to first configure parameters, power off the devices, connect devices physically,

power on the devices, and finally the devices will join in the IRF virtual device automatically. After an

IRF virtual device is formed, you can configure and manage the IRF virtual device by logging in to any

device in the IRF virtual device. The operations you make take effect on the master, and will be applied

to the member devices in the IRF virtual device.

Step 1: Login to the switch through the console port

Step 2: Ensure that both switches are running the same software version

<H3C>system view

[H3C]display version

Step 3: Reset the configuration of the switches.  

<H3C>reset saved-configuration

<H3C>reboot

Step 4: Assign a unit number to each S5800. Switch 1 or 2. (Later you will see the unit number on the right side the switch on the front panel led)

On unit 1:

[H3C]irf member 1 renumber 1

Warning: Renumbering the switch number may result in configuration change or loss. Continue?[Y/N]:y

On unit 2:

[H3C]irf member 1 renumber 2

Warning: Renumbering the switch number may result in configuration change or loss. Continue?[Y/N]:y

Step 5: Save the configuration and reboot the switches

[H3C]quit

<H3C>save irf.cfg

<H3C>startup saved-configuration irf.cfg<H3C>reboot

Step 6: Setting priority on Master S5800.

On unit 1:

[H3C]irf member 1 priority 32

Step 7: Shutdown the 10 Gbps port that will form the IRF Group (on both switches)                                                       

On Unit 1:
[H3C]int TenGigabitEthernet 1/0/25

[H3C-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/0/25]shutdown

[H3C]int TenGigabitEthernet 1/0/26

[H3C-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/0/26]shutdown

On Unit 2:[H3C]int TenGigabitEthernet 2/0/27

[H3C-Ten-GigabitEthernet2/0/27]shutdown

[H3C]int TenGigabitEthernet 2/0/28

[H3C-Ten-GigabitEthernet2/0/28]shutdown

Step 8: Assign the 10 Gbps port to an IRF port group

On Unit 1:

[H3C]irf-port 1/1

[H3C-irf-port]port group interface TenGigabitEthernet 1/0/25

[H3C-irf-port]port group interface TenGigabitEthernet 1/0/26

[H3C-irf-port]quit

On Unit 2:

[H3C]irf-port 2/2

[H3C-irf-port]port group interface TenGigabitEthernet 2/0/27

[H3C-irf-port]port group interface TenGigabitEthernet 2/0/28

[H3C-irf-port]quit

Step 9: Enable the 10 Gbps ports that will form the IRF (on both switches)                                                      

On unit 1:[H3C]int TenGigabitEthernet 1/0/25

[H3C-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/0/25]undo shutdown

[H3C]int TenGigabitEthernet 1/0/26

[H3C-Ten-GigabitEthernet1/0/26]undo shutdown

On unit 2:[H3C]int TenGigabitEthernet 2/0/27

[H3C-Ten-GigabitEthernet2/0/25]undo shutdown

[H3C]int TenGigabitEthernet 2/0/28

[H3C-Ten-GigabitEthernet2/0/26]undo shutdown

Step 10: Activate the IRF Port Configuration (on both switches)

[H3C]irf-port-configuration active

Step 11: Save the configuration

[H3C]quit

<H3C>save

Step 12: Connect the 2 10GbE Direct Attach Cables (DACs) as Shown in the IRF Diagram

NOTE: The secondary switch (unit 2) will now reboot automatically.

Step 13: The IRF stack should now be formed. Verify IRF operation                                                       

[H3C]display irf

[H3C]display irf configuration

[H3C]display irf topology[H3C]display devices

Step 14: Save the configuration

[H3C]quit

<H3C>save

Download the 58xx series IRF Configuration Guide for more information on configuring IRF including optional parameters.

***For all other switch models' IRF Configuration Guides and other manuals go to HP Networking main website. Enter "IRF Configuration Guide model number" in the search field top right corner of the page. For example: IRF Configuration Guide 5500EI***

Enjoy and thank you for your interest in IRF and HP Networking.