Core switch with VRF config with only EIGRP?

[ohforce55]

Hi,

I just started to look into MPLS and found about VRF.

How I understand about VRF is that it usually works with BGP.

But when I see our core switch at work, I only see EIGRP with VRF, and as you know BGP isn't configured in Core switch...

What is this case? 

I will appreciate if you can help me!

XX-1#sh ip vrf
Name Default RD Interfaces
lb-bypass 5807:1 Vl31
Vl40
Vl90
Vl91
Vl92
Vl93
Vl98
NY3 5807:5 Vl6
Vl210
Vl220
Tu0
Vl50
web 5807:2 Vl10
Vl11
Vl12

XX-1#sh run | s router
router eigrp 5807
!
address-family ipv4 vrf NY3
default-metric 10000 100 255 1 1500
redistribute connected
network 10.12.x.x 0.0.0.3
network 10.13.x.x 0.0.0.7
distribute-list nc-db in Tunnel0
autonomous-system 5807
nsf
exit-address-family
default-metric 1000000 10 255 1 1500
network 10.0.0.0
redistribute connected
redistribute static
passive-interface default
no passive-interface Vlan848
no passive-interface GigabitEthernet9/48
no passive-interface GigabitEthernet9/47
no passive-interface Vlan7
nsf
permit icmp any any router-advertisement
permit icmp any any router-solicitation

XX-1#sh ip bgp
% BGP not active

enc-wups-sn-r6509-1#

[Reza Sharifi · Accepted solution]

Hi,

With VRF, you don't have to run BGP, you can OSPF, EIGRP and probably IS-IS as well.

http://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/support/docs/interfaces-modules/catalyst-6500-series-multilayer-switch-feature-card/112245-eigrp-vrf.html

HTH

[ohforce55]

Thank you so much!

[ohforce55]

Hi

I have another question :)

vrf has aa:nn config.

Although it is only eigrp, how is that config used?

Isn't aa:nn only for BGP?

[Jon Marshall]

It isn't used but with a lot of IOS versions (although not all) you still need to configure it.

Jon

[ohforce55]

Hi,

Thank you for your reply!

I'm sorry but what do you mean that it isn't used?

I see a core switch has router eigrp that includes aa:nn, and each vrfs also have that too...

I will very appreciate if you explain in more detail!

Thank you!

[Jon Marshall · Accepted solution]

I mean that it isn't used.

It is called the RD and is used by MP-BGP to ensure that routes for the same subnets from different customers can be unique between PE routers.

But with VRF Lite you don't need it because you have a per VRF EIGRP process which keeps the routes separate.

Jon

[ohforce55]

Jon,

Thanks for your reply again!

So although the config is there in the core switch, it isn't being used?

In another word, to make it look understandable, the config is used but it's not actually being used?

Do I need VRF Lite in the core switch when configuring MPLS on routers?

[Jon Marshall]

Correct it is not being used, just there because ios expects it. 

Not sure what you are asking about core switch can you clarify ?

[ohforce55 · Accepted solution]

Jon,

Thanks for your reply again!

So.. in order to configure MPLS on CE router, is a part of MPLS config needed on core switch but not just router?

The EIGRP VRF config on the core switch I'm looking isn't related with MPLS at all?

[Jon Marshall]

Different things by the sounds of it. 

VRF Lite can be used to extend VRFs into the LAN but you don't need it for MPLS. 

[ohforce55]

Thank you!