2 units HP 5412zl as Redundant Core

[networknovice]

Hi experts,

We have this 2 units of HP 5412zl and we are planning to make this as the redundant core switches on our data center.

May I ask for your tips and recommendations in doing so, such as best practices, optimizing network traffic and modules to purchase to have this plannes setup working.

Inputs are highly appreciated.

Thank you. 

[Richard Litchfield]

The traditional way would be with VRRP and MSTP. The zl switches also support distributed trunking, which may also be useful if you have lots of devices you want to have LACP links to.

If you haven't bought all the kit yet, maybe think some alternatives too, eg:
* pair of 3800s joined with a pair of 40Gb mesh/stack cables
* single 8200zl with all the redundant options

[networknovice]

Hi Richard,

Thank you for the reply.

I already have the 5412zl units with me. VRRP and MSTP is feasible for the core-access switches connection.

I was wondering what type of cable should I use when connecting the 2 core switches? Should I also introduce routing between the 2 core switches?

[Richard Litchfield · Accepted solution]

You can connect them with whatever they support. 2 or 4 1Gb RJ45 cables is common, so is 1 or 2 10Gb cables (use LACP to aggregate the links: trunk a1-a2 trk1 lacp