Dell PowerConnect B-FCXs, Configuration Manual

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338 PowerConnect B-Series FCX Configuration Guide
53-1002266-01
Metro Ring Protocol (MRP)
10
FIGURE 58 Metro ring – normal state
The ring in this example consists of four MRP nodes (Dell PowerConnect switches). Each node has
two interfaces with the ring. Each node also is connected to a separate customer network. The
nodes forward Layer 2 traffic to and from the customer networks through the ring. The ring
interfaces are all in one port-based VLAN. Each customer interface can be in the same VLAN as
the ring or in a separate VLAN.
One node is configured as the master node of the MRP ring. One of the two interfaces on the
master node is configured as the primary interface; the other is the secondary interface. The
primary interface originates Ring Health Packets (RHPs), which are used to monitor the health of
the ring. An RHP is forwarded on the ring to the next interface until it reaches the secondary
interface of the master node. The secondary interface blocks the packet to prevent a Layer 2 loops.
F
F F
C us tomer A
Switch B
C us tomer A
C us tomer A
C us tomer A
Switch A
Switch C
Switch D
M as ter
Node
B
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
F
Thi s interf a ce block s
L a yer 2 tr a ffic
to prevent a loop