DELL N3000 User Manual

Configuring Link Aggregation

The loop-free topology shown in Figure 28-13 uses the MLAG switches as L2 

switches in an EOR role. The single VLAN traverses the MLAG topology 

from the top router to the bottom storage and servers. Multiple VLANs in 

different VPCs may be used to isolate clusters of storage/servers from each 

other. This topology is highly recommended, as it utilizes MLAG in the 

scenario for which it was intended (redundant full-bandwidth replacement 

for spanning tree in a fully L2 topology) and allows the MLAG peers to detect 

failures and unblock the appropriate VLANs on the peer link so that traffic 

flow can continue unimpeded.
The lower pair of switches connects clusters of storage and servers in a TOR 

role in support of devices that do not support link aggregation. Switching 

between the storage and the servers within the rack proceeds in the normal 

manner and remains isolated on the lower switch pair that is not part of the 

MLAG domain. Traffic entering or exiting the rack proceeds over the EOR 

MLAG.

MLAG

MLAG

MLAG

Storage

Server

Storage

Server