4500X VSS Dual active detection options

[eagles-nest]

Hi

I see the 4500X now supports VSS.  However when I look at the usual Dual Active detection options I see there is only ePAgP and BFD.  In fact is there even BFD ?

In a document I found it only discussed ePAgP which is fine if your attached devices can do that.

Can anyone clarify the options for dual active detection and whether a dedicated link for BFD is an option.  Do we do 2 methods of detection as was previously advised on the 6500 chassis ?

Thanks for your input.

St.

[eagles-nest]

From what I can find it seems that a trusted ePAgP channel is the only option for Dual active detection.  With that in mind does anyone know if I can do that via a channel to a Sup 2e 4506 and what version IOS is needed ?

Many thanks, St.

[Reza Sharifi]

Hi,

Here is good doc to look at for versions that support VSS on the 4500.

https://supportforums.cisco.com/docs/DOC-29472

HTH

[eagles-nest]

Sorry. The Sup2e is the VSS end Supervisor.  I have a Sup V on the 4500 that I am hoping to use ePAgP through. 

I am looking for a version that allows me to use ePAgP on a Sup V chassis.  I have previoulsy done this via a 3750 stack and had to upgrade to 12.2(55) I think.

Thanks, St.

[networkguy13111]

Hi,

I've done the DAD via ePAgP through 4507R-E chassis. I am using 7LE supvisor.

Cisco IOS Software, IOS-XE Software, Catalyst 4500 L3 Switch Software (cat4500e-UNIVERSALK9-M), Version 03.04.00.SG RELEASE SOFTWARE (fc3)

show pagp dual-active

PAgP dual-active detection enabled: Yes

PAgP dual-active version: 1.1

Channel group 1

          Dual-Active     Partner              Partner   Partner

Port      Detect Capable  Name                 Port      Version

Te3/1     Yes             01-0049-407-ag01 Te2/1/1   1.1

Te4/1     Yes             01-0049-407-ag01 Te1/1/1   1.1

I assume it is supported on other 4500 supvisor if you can get the right IOS version. This feature to me is not invovled with hardware too much.

--
Best Regards

[shillings]

The new 4500-X software release includes support for the latest detection method, called VSLP Fast-Hello's: -

"Support for VSLP Fast Hello—With VSLP Fast Hello, the Catalyst 4500-X configured for VSS can now connect Access Switches that do not support the ePAgP protocol"

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/switches/lan/catalyst4500/release/note/OL_29984-01.html

I've not configured this feature, but Cisco say it has the detection speed of ePAgP without some of the drawbacks, including the need to link via a ePAgP-compatible switch, but one that's not stacked.

Fast-Hello is a direct layer-2 link between the two VSS members, so much easier. It's also described in the VSS Campus 3.0 best practice guide: -

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/solutions/Enterprise/Campus/VSS30dg/VSS-dg_ch4.html

However, I've no idea how stable the latest release is. Perhaps something to consider.

[wladimir.gruenemaier]

shillings schrieb:
I've not configured this feature, but Cisco say it has the detection speed of ePAgP without some of the drawbacks, including the need to link via a ePAgP-compatible switch, but one that's not stacked. 

The new 2960X, 3850 Catalyst Switches... do support ePAgP over cross-stack Etherchannel....

[shillings]

Wladimir Gruenemaier wrote:
shillings schrieb:
I've not configured this feature, but Cisco say it has the detection speed of ePAgP without some of the drawbacks, including the need to link via a ePAgP-compatible switch, but one that's not stacked. 
The new 2960X, 3850 Catalyst Switches... do support ePAgP over cross-stack Etherchannel....

This May 2013 thread suggests it's not been added, but I don't know myself for sure:

https://supportforums.cisco.com/thread/2219249

LACP will support it, but you probably knew that already.