Configuration recommendations for 5700 switches

[Chrisbey]

I have a demonstration lab with various HPE equipment and I'm taking out some old Brocade VDX switches and replacing them with 5700's.  As this is a lab I want to be able to reconfigure things easy and isolate workloads if needed. 

I have connected two ports on my switch to my core network.  I think my next step to create a dynamic Bridge Aggregation Group (BAGG).

I don't want to use IRF if I don't have to.  Is there a reason I have to use IRF?

New to switching so any help is greatly appreciated!

[akg7]

Hi @Chrisbey,

Both IRF and Bridge Aggregation are different technology.
IRF virtualization technology offers processing power, interaction, unified management, and uninterrupted maintenance of multiple devices
IRF provides the following benefits:
--Simplified topology and easy management
--1:N redundancy
--IRF link aggregation
--Multichassis link aggregation
--Network scalability and resiliency

where as Link Aggregation or Bridge Aggregation bundles multiple physical Ethernet links into one logical link, called an aggregate link. Link aggregation has the following benefits:--Increased bandwidth beyond the limits of any single link. In an aggregate link, traffic is distributed across the member ports.
--Improved link reliability. The member ports dynamically back up one another. When a member port fails, its traffic is automatically switched to other member ports.

Thanks!

[Chrisbey]

akg7, Thank you for the info!  Can I configure fail over between two switches without implementing IRF?

[akg7]

Hi @Chrisbey ,

Yes you can if you  want to bundle itnerfaces only.

Thanks!

[akg7]

Hi,

Has my post helped you to answer your query?

Thanks!