L2LS - Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MLAG)-1

Question 1

What is Multi-Chassis Link Aggregation (MLAG), and how does it contribute to network redundancy and high availability?

Answer 1

• MLAG is a technology that allows multiple switches to work together as a single logical unit.
• It provides network redundancy by ensuring that all links are active, eliminating the need for STP.

Question 2

Can you describe a scenario where MLAG would be particularly beneficial in a data center environment?

Answer 2

• For example, if one switch or link fails, MLAG allows traffic to seamlessly failover to the alternate switch or link, ensuring uninterrupted services for applications that require high availability.

Question 3

What is MLAG, and how does it differ from traditional link aggregation techniques?

Answer 3

• MLAG provides active/active link aggregation across two switches.
• It differs from traditional link aggregation by presenting multiple physical switches as a single logical entity to downstream devices.

Question 4

Why is MLAG often preferred in datacenter networks, and how does it improve network reliability and efficiency?

Answer 4

• It improves efficiency by enabling active/active link utilization.
• This leads to higher throughput, lower latency, and a more resilient network.

Question 5

How does MLAG achieve the appearance of a single Link Aggregation Group (LAG) to downstream devices when it involves two physical switches?

Answer 5

• By synchronizing network state and MAC address tables between the two physical switches.

Question 6

What are the advantages of utilizing MLAG in both the spine layer and the leaf nodes in a Layer 2 Leaf and Spine design?

Answer 6

• Using MLAG in both the spine and leaf nodes increases network resilience.
• In the spine, it provides high availability and fault tolerance.
• In the leaf nodes, MLAG allows for redundant connectivity to hosts.