Network Interface (NI) Modules
Smart Continuous Switching
OmniSwitch 7700/7800 Hardware Users Guide
April 2005
page 5-21
Smart Continuous Switching
In redundant CMM configurations, the switch provides support for NIs during failover. In other words, if
the primary CMM fails or goes offline for any reason, NI modules will continue data transmission and
routing functions during the secondary CMM’s takeover process. This Availability feature is referred to as
Smart Continuous Switching
.
Incoming Layer 2 packets will continue to be sent to the appropriate egress port during failover. Known
routes will also be supported. (Note, however, that the NI cannot learn new routes without CMM support.
Any new route information will be ignored.) Spanning Tree will continue handling BPDUs received on
the switch ports, as well as port link up and down states. The Spanning Tree topology will not be
disrupted.
Note.
Smart Continuous Switching is designed to maintain traffic flow only during CMM failover and is
not
intended to support long-term traffic flow. If both the primary and redundant CMM modules go offline
or are removed from the chassis, switch operations (including all NI support) will be disabled.
Module Priorities During Boot Sequence
During the power checking sequence, CMMs receive priority and are always powered on. NI modules are
then powered on sequentially by slot position. In other words, the NI in slot 1 is powered on, then slot 2,
then slot 3, etc. For information on slot positions, refer to
Chapter 2, “Chassis and Power Supplies.”
Managing NI Modules
Turning Power On or Off for a Specific NI Module
The CLI allows you to power on or power off specific NI modules. To turn the power off for a specific NI
module, use the
no
command. Be sure to specify the syntax
no
, along with the slot
number of the NI. For example:
-> no power ni slot 3
To return power to a specific NI module, use the
power ni
command. Be sure to specify the slot number
of the NI in the command line. For example:
-> power ni slot 3
Individual NI Reload
Each NI installed in the switch can be reloaded on an individual basis. A reload is essentially a soft boot of
the NI module. When an individual NI is reloaded, only the specified NI is affected. All other NIs
installed in the switch continue operating without interruption. To reload a specific NI module, use the
command. Be sure to specify the slot number of the NI in the command line. For example:
-> reload ni 3
For detailed information on the
no power ni
,
power ni
, and
reload ni
commands, refer to the “Chassis
Management and Monitoring Commands” chapter in the
OmniSwitch CLI Reference Guide
.
