topic ToR Configuration for Servers Switch in ExtremeSwitching (VSP/Fabric Engine)

ToR Configuration for Servers Switch

amedinaj — Thu, 26 Dec 2024 16:37:32 GMT

Hi all, we have 2 VSP-4900 that will be installed in a rack as ToR for hypervisors servers (Hyper-V and VMWare). This 2 tor switches are already configured to connect to the core switches with Fabric (2 core switches with Fabric and vIST).

Each server will be connected to each ToR switch. My question is, this ToR should be configured as a vIST cluster and configure a MLT for each server?

Thanks and best regards.

Amedina

Re: ToR Configuration for Servers Switch

stevediaz — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:19:23 GMT

Hello

Yes, configuring the ToR switches as a vIST cluster is recommended for redundancy & load balancing. By creating an MLT (Multi-Link Trunking) for each server, you ensure better reliability and optimal use of both switches. Just make sure the servers are configured with NIC teaming / similar features to support this setup.

Best regards!🙂

Re: ToR Configuration for Servers Switch

gfriedl — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 13:23:12 GMT

this depends on what you want to achieve/use on server side (HYper-V / VMware) . both vendors tend to recommend LAG-free redundancy mechanics. like VM-based load-balancing. In this case you must NOT use SMLT connections to these hosts and there is no need for a VIST connection between your TOR nodes. in other modes you might require SMLT, if you want to stay with LAG-based load-balancing. it's just your decision, which must be agreed with the people, that do the setup on server side.

Re: ToR Configuration for Servers Switch

JDoug — Fri, 27 Dec 2024 17:42:57 GMT

gfriedl is correct... if the connections from the server to the ToRs is going to be in a LAG then the ToRs need to be in an SMLT Cluster, if the links from the server to the ToRs are not going to LAG then dont SMLT cluster the ToRs. And of course make sure the 'server guys' are on board either way, in my experience this can be the hardest part as the 'server world' uses different terminalogy compared to the 'network world'

Re: ToR Configuration for Servers Switch

mike533 — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 13:49:10 GMT

Gfriedl is right; the ToRs must be in an SMLT Cluster if the links from the server to the ToRs will be in a LAG; it is not necessary to SMLT cluster the ToRs if the links will not be in a LAG. In any case, make sure the "server guys" are on board. In my experience, this can be the most challenging aspect because the "server world" and the "network world" use distinct terminology.