6509 VSS Enable and uplink configuration

[BALAMURUGAN SINGARAM]

We are using two 6509 switch enable VSS. For Edge switch config can we use port-channel or just trunk port is ok. Please advice on UPlink conif on Core Switch using VSS

[Mark Malone]

you can single home to one of the 65s if you want using a standard trunk or for redundency use a port-channel and link it to both 65s

[Masoud Pourshabanian]

Hello,

You can image two 6509 switches as a single switch after enabling VSS. So you just need to configure normal port-channel as you do between two switches. I supposed your edge switch has two uplinks, one connected to 6509-1 and other two 6509-2. As Mark mentioned, you are able to make the port trunk if it is only connected only to one 6509.

Masoud

[BALAMURUGAN SINGARAM]

Thanks for the reply.

The EDGE switches are third party switch, HP support maximum 30 port channels. We have 170 IDF room. So if we configure as trunk ports 1/1/1 and 2/1/1 and give two these uplinks links to edge switch do it will create loop or it will work as active/standby.

If you have any better solution kindly advice.

[Mark Malone]

it wont create a loop because its VSS they act as one logical unit when bundled together like the way a port-channel does

That would be recommended setup for a VSS with access layer switches , split for redundency , your VSS should be the root bridge fro all vlans as well

[BALAMURUGAN SINGARAM]

Thanks, to configure core-1 as root bridge I will follow the below steps:

Core-Sw1(config)# spanning-tree vlan 1-4096 root primary
Core-Sw2(config)# spanning-tree vlan 1-4096 root secondary

To configure VSS as root bridge, could you please help me.

[Masoud Pourshabanian]

VSS claims to be a loop-free technology, but it highly relies on etherchannel. Misconnection of links may cause loop in VSS. If you are trying to use both links, make sure STP is compatiple in both 6509 and non-cisco switch and also use port cost to block a desired port.

Masoud

[BALAMURUGAN SINGARAM]

Thanks you, Could you please explain with an example or URL to "use port cost to block a desired port"

[Masoud Pourshabanian]

Hello,

This is the command for Cisco. You need to find the correct command for HP. Because you need to change the cost on HP side.

***********

Interface fa0/1

spanning-tree [vlan IDs] cost  [more cost, more chance to block]

********************

I am a little confused with your previous comment. You posted Core 1 and Core 2.

Are they your 6500 switches? When you configure VSS, you only see one switch configuration. Am I missing something?

Masoud

[BALAMURUGAN SINGARAM]

Yes, after VSS Config I am seeing as single switch. Now I need to configure VSS Switch as root.

The below CLI will help me to configure two core switch [ VSS Switch]  as root primary, please advice.

Core(config)# spanning-tree vlan 1-4096 root primary

[Masoud Pourshabanian]

Hello,

That command is for PVST configuration. I do not think HP supporst PVST. I think HP supports MST. Spanning tree protocol should be compatible among all switches.There is backward compability bettween different protocols, but you should use a common protocol among all.

What is your HP switch model?

Do you have any other switches in network other than 6509 and HP? I want to check compability to suggest you a protocol.

Masoud