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IRF configuration
Establish an IRF virtual device that comprises switches of the HP A5820X series or A5800 series, or
establish a mixed IRF virtual device that comprises both the HP A5820X and A5800 switches.
IRF overview
The HP proprietary IRF technology creates a large IRF virtual device from multiple switches to provide
data center class availability and scalability. IRF virtualization technology takes advantage of the
augmented processing power, interaction, unified management, and uninterrupted maintenance of
multiple switches.
Benefits
IRF delivers the following benefits:
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Simplified topology and streamlined management. An IRF virtual device appears as one node on
the network. Log in at any member switch to manage all members of the IRF virtual device.
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High availability and reliability. The member switches in an IRF virtual device work in 1:N
redundancy. One member switch works as the master to manage and maintain the entire IRF virtual
device. All other member switches process services as well as back up the master. As soon as the
master fails, all other member switches elect a new master among them to prevent service
interruption. In addition, you can perform link aggregation not only for IRF links, but also for
physical links between the IRF virtual device and its upper or lower layer devices for link
redundancy.
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Network scalability and resiliency. Increase ports, bandwidth, and processing capability of an IRF
virtual device simply by adding member switches.
