3Com 4210G Series, Configuration Manual, Page: 1096 / 1133

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IRF Configuration
Among Switch 4210G series switches, Switch 4210G 24-Port, Switch 4210G 48-Port, Switch 4210G
PWR 24-Port, and Switch 4210G PWR 48-Port switches support IRF.
When configuring IRF, go to these sections for information you are interested in:
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IRF Overview
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IRF Working Process
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IRF Configuration Task List
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IRF Configuration
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Logging In to an IRF
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Displaying and Maintaining IRF
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IRF Configuration Examples
IRF Overview
Introduction
Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) allows you to build an IRF, namely a united device, by
interconnecting multiple devices through IRF ports. You can manage all the devices in the IRF by
managing the united device.
In an IRF, every single device is an IRF member, and plays one of the following two roles according to
its function:
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Master: A member device. It is elected to manage the entire IRF. An IRF has only one master at
one time.
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Slave: A member device. It is managed by the master and operates as a backup of the master. In
an IRF, except for the master, all the other devices are the slaves.
For details of role election, refer to Role Election .
Application and Advantages
Typically, you can use an IRF in the distribution layer; and you can also apply it in the access layer. An
IRF is a single logical device to the users and devices of the upper layer and lower layer, as shown in
Figure 27-1 .