The text suggests that in a mesh network of interconnected switches, if one link or switch fails, traffic can still be rerouted using another path. To avoid loops, Spanning Tree Protocol (STEP) is used. The Hap’s RIFF Resiliency offers benefits such as increased efficiency with its loop-free and non-blocking structure. As a result, all links remain active, allowing for effective and high-bandwidth connectivity across the switching plane.
Both RIFF and Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACK) contribute to achieving scalable performance. When used in tandem, they enhance performance by combining multiple parallel links between switches and servers, providing scalable “on-demand” performance and capacity to support crucial business applications. Additionally, Hap’s RIFF Resiliency feature ensures quicker failover in case of a network failure. RIFF also enables rapid recovery and network re-convergence in under 50 licenses, significantly faster than the several seconds needed for STEP.
The drawbacks of Hap’s RIFF Resiliency include subpar performance as it blocks all parallel paths apart from the one chosen as active. Technicians have expressed dissatisfaction with STEP as it can reduce effective bandwidth even when the network is functioning properly. Difficulty in selecting the appropriate protocol and slow network convergence have been reported. Moreover, it takes several seconds for STEP to re-converge. In contrast, Cisco Layer 2 Resiliency is praised for its rapid failover capabilities without any interruption in service.
The goal of layer 2 is to optimize the process of implementing changes and activating services without interrupting the WAN and reducing errors. It ensures high availability through immediate recovery and resilience at the network, device, and design levels. Cisco Layer 2 Resiliency improves system redundancy at the platform level, enhances network security with access layer defense, identity-based trust, pervasive security, and management, and offers posture assessments for devices. Operational efficiency is achieved with automated configuration, proactive diagnostics, and simplified troubleshooting.
This text describes the purpose and limitations of Cisco Layer 2 Resiliency, which is designed to ensure consistent performance for converged applications and enable IP multicast functionality. Similar to Hap’s RIFF Resiliency, Cisco Layer 2 Resiliency has some drawbacks. It can only be used with the metro IP access or metro access image on the router. Incorrect configuration or failure to configure each segment can result in forwarding loops within networks. Additionally, REP is limited to managing one failed port per segment.
Multiple port failures in the REP segment result in a significant loss of network connectivity. Considering its easy management and scalability, I suggest using Hap’s RIFF Resiliency instead of Cisco Layer 2 Resiliency. Hap’s RIFF Resiliency offers a fully resilient network while being simpler to configure and maintain. Moreover, it utilizes the complete capabilities and bandwidth of each switch, leading to improved efficiency in the overall networking infrastructure.
