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Dell PowerConnect 55xx Systems User Guide
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Contax\sources\CxUGSwitching_GARP.fm
D E LL C O N F ID E N T IA L – P R E L I M I N A RY 1 0 / 3 0/ 1 3 - F O R P R O O F O N LY
GARP Overview
Generic Attribute Registration Protocol (GARP) is a general-purpose protocol
that registers network connectivity or membership-style information. GARP
defines a set of devices interested in a given network attribute, such as VLAN
or Multicast address.
The Generic Attribute Registration Protocol (GARP) provides a generic
framework whereby devices in a bridged LAN, such as end stations and
switches, can register and de-register attribute values, such as VLAN
Identifiers, with each other. In doing so, these attributes are propagated to
devices in the bridged LAN, and these devices form a reachability tree that is
a subset of an active topology. GARP defines the architecture, rules of
operation, state machines and variables for the registration and deregistration
of attribute values.
When configuring GARP, ensure the following:
• The leave time must be greater than or equal to three times the join time.
• The leave-all time must be greater than the leave time.
• Set the same GARP timer values on all Layer 2-connected devices. If the
GARP timers are set differently on the Layer 2-connected devices, GARP
application does not operate successfully.