44xx Router LAN connection resiliency

[Gordon Ross]

I have a 4431 router (For use as a SBC) that I would like to resiliently connect to two 2960X switches.

Is there a way I can do this at layer 2, or do I need to do it at layer 3 via routing and the loopback interface?

Thanks,

GTG

[Mark Malone]

Hi

You could do it at layer 2 but you would need something like a NIM-ES2-4 module installed in the 4331 , there pure layer 3 ports that come as standard on the box

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/routers/4000-series-integrated-services-routers-isr/relevant-interfaces-and-modules.html

[Gordon Ross]

So why can't I use the onboard NICs? The 4431 has four...

GTG

[Mark Malone]

my 4331s standard without any module inserts came with 3 gig interfaces and 1 g0 mgmt. interface all layer 3 , you cant use switchport port commands or add them to a vlan , they are pure layer 3 ip only or could be used as a sub interface back to a 2960 if trunked

do I understand you correctly or do you have something else in your routers or am I miss understanding the question , you can add layer 2 modules though if you need to but you could always run hsrp over the sub interfaces between the routers for resiliency on these interfaces

inventory output , have 3 interfaces g0/0/0 ,0/0/1,0/0/2 then g0 mgmt.

NAME: "NM subslot 0/0", DESCR: "Front Panel 3 ports Gigabitethernet Module"
PID: ISR4331-3x1GE