6-82
Configuring the Switch
Load Balancing: Switch Meshing
Configuring the Switch
Switch Meshing Fundamentals
Meshed Switch Domain. This is a group of switches exchanging meshing
protocol packets. Paths between these switches can have multiple redundant
links without creating broadcast storms. A meshed switch can have some
ports in the meshed domain and others outside the meshed domain. Meshed
links must be point-to-point switch links. Hub links between meshed switch
links are not allowed. Within any meshed switch, all ports belong to the same
meshed domain.
Figure 6-54. Example of a Switch Mesh Domain in a Network
Note Hubs, switches that are not configured for load balancing, and non load-
balanced ports in a switch that does have some load-balanced ports are not
allowed in switch mesh domains. Inserting a non-mesh device into the mesh
causes the meshed switch port(s) connected to that device to shut down.
Edge Switch. This is a switch that has some ports in the switch meshing
domain and some ports outside of the domain. (See figure 6-54, above.)
Multiple meshed domains require separation by either a non-meshed switch
or a non-meshed link. For example:
Switch 2
Switch
Non-Mesh
Switch
Non-Mesh
Switch 3 Switch 4
Hub
Hub
Hub
Switch 1
W
W
W
W
W
W
Switch Mesh Domain
Edge Switches: 1, 2, & 4