L2LS - Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MLAG)-2 Flashcards
What are the benefits of having MLAG eliminate the requirement for blocked links in a network topology?
Answer: Eliminating blocked links in a network topology using MLAG leads to improved network efficiency and reduced latency. All links are actively forwarding traffic, maximizing throughput. It enhances fault tolerance by ensuring that if one link or switch fails, traffic can seamlessly transition to the remaining links without disruption.
Explanation: This question assesses the candidate’s ability to connect the elimination of blocked links through MLAG with its advantages in terms of network efficiency and fault tolerance.
How does the implementation of MLAG result in the connected layer 2 device seeing a single logical STP bridge or LACP node, and what are the implications of this for network behavior?
Answer: MLAG achieves this by synchronizing state information and MAC address tables between the two switches in the MLAG pair. To the connected layer 2 device, it appears as a single logical entity. This means that all links in the MLAG are in a forwarding state, eliminating the need for blocked links, which is common in traditional Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) designs. Consequently, network redundancy is improved, and there is no risk of suboptimal path usage or network segments being isolated.
Explanation: This question evaluates the candidate’s comprehension of how MLAG presents a unified view to connected layer 2 devices and its impact on network behavior, including improved redundancy and the absence of blocked links.
Why is the absence of blocked links a significant advantage in MLAG implementations, and how does this contribute to network reliability and performance?
Answer: The absence of blocked links in MLAG results in all links being actively used for forwarding traffic, maximizing network throughput. This leads to lower latency and ensures that the network can efficiently utilize all available resources. Furthermore, it enhances network reliability, as there are no links that are temporarily unusable due to blocking in traditional STP setups.
Explanation: This question assesses the candidate’s understanding of the benefits of eliminating blocked links through MLAG and how it positively impacts network reliability and performance.
In MLAG, why is it important that the connected layer 2 device sees a single logical STP bridge or LACP node, and how does this affect network behavior?
Answer: It is crucial for the connected device to perceive the MLAG pair as a single logical entity to eliminate the need for blocked links and enhance network efficiency. This means all links are in a forwarding state, which maximizes throughput and minimizes latency. In a traditional Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) environment, some links would be blocked to prevent loops. In MLAG, this problem is circumvented.
Explanation: This question evaluates the candidate’s understanding of the significance of a single logical STP bridge or LACP node in MLAG and its impact on network behavior.
!
Can you describe the technical mechanisms that MLAG employs to present itself as a single STP bridge or LACP node to connected layer 2 devices?
Answer: MLAG synchronizes network state and MAC address tables between the two physical switches in the MLAG pair. This synchronization ensures that both switches act as a unified LAG entity from the perspective of the connected layer 2 device, presenting a single LACP node or STP bridge. The absence of blocked links and the presence of active/active forwarding are the result of this synchronization.
Explanation: This question assesses the candidate’s knowledge of the technical details behind MLAG’s ability to appear as a single logical entity to connected devices.
!
In a Layer 2 Leaf and Spine (L2LS) design, where is MLAG commonly used, and how does it contribute to network redundancy and scalability?
Answer: In an L2LS design, MLAG is typically used in the spine, between two switches. It enhances network redundancy by eliminating single points of failure in the spine layer. Additionally, MLAG can be an option for the leaf nodes to provide redundant connectivity to hosts, further improving network resilience and scalability.
Explanation: This question evaluates the candidate’s understanding of the typical deployment of MLAG in L2LS designs and its role in enhancing network redundancy and scalability.
