Brocade FastIron Ethernet Switch Platform and Layer 2 Switching Configuration Guide - Manual (Page 74)

FIGURE 1 Metro ring - normal state
The ring in this example consists of four MRP nodes (Brocade switches). Each node has two
interfaces with the ring. Each node also is connected to a separate customer network. The nodes
forward Layer 2 traffic to and from the customer networks through the ring. The ring interfaces are all
in one port-based VLAN. Each customer interface can be in the same VLAN as the ring or in a
separate VLAN.
One node is configured as the master node of the MRP ring. One of the two interfaces on the master
node is configured as the primary interface; the other is the secondary interface. The primary interface
originates Ring Health Packets (RHPs), which are used to monitor the health of the ring. An RHP is
forwarded on the ring to the next interface until it reaches the secondary interface of the master node.
The secondary interface blocks the packet to prevent a Layer 2 loops.
Metro Ring Protocol configuration notes
• When you configure Metro Ring Protocol (MRP), Brocade recommends that you disable one of the
ring interfaces before beginning the ring configuration. Disabling an interface prevents a Layer 2
Metro Ring Protocol configuration notes
74 FastIron Ethernet Switch Platform and Layer 2 Switching Configuration Guide
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