HP MSR3012 Layer 2 forwarding

[amjad135]

Hi,

I have two HP MSR3012 Routers. I want to use Both Routers as a Switch for now and Dial Internet over Fortinet Firewalls which are in HA mode.  The issue is i cannot configure Router ports as layer 2 ethernet ports. i tried "port link-mode bridge" but then a log appears " This interface can be used only for the EVI feature when it is operating in bridge mode" . I dont see any arp entries also on the router. I tried to observe through wireshark but no broadcast for DHCP or anything is passing through bridge ports. 

In routing mode, ports act as layer 3 ports and need proper ip addressing to forward traffic. Can any body guide about how to use these ports as layer 2 switch ports only. Thanks.

[Ivan_B]

Hello!

Unfortunately, you can't. Some ports on MSR routers can work only as Layer 3, this is per hardware architecture and cannot be changed by a command.

Here is what the Interface Command Reference Guide says:

Interfaces operate differently depending on the hardware structure of interface cards. For a device:

• Some Ethernet interfaces can operate only as Layer 2 Ethernet interfaces (in bridge mode).
• Some Ethernet interfaces can operate only as Layer 3 Ethernet interfaces (in route mode).
• Some Ethernet interfaces can operate either as Layer 2 or Layer 3 Ethernet interfaces. You can
use this command to set the link mode to bridge or route for these Ethernet interfaces.

[amjad135]

Ok so what i understood is i cannot do it with current hardware. Can i add switching module or something in the router to achieve functionality?

[Ivan_B]

Of  course, you may consider one of these switching HMIM modules:

• HPE FlexNetwork MSR 8-port 10/100/1000BASE-T/2-port 1000BASE-X (Combo) Switch HMIM Module JG741A
• HPE FlexNetwork MSR 24-port Gig-T Switch HMIM Module JG426A

If you need more flexibility, consider a module which ports can switch between L2 and L3 modes with "port link-mode" command:

• HPE FlexNetwork MSR 8-port 100BASE-FX/1000BASE-X/4-port 1000BASE-T (Combo) L2/L3 HMIM Module JH238A

Hope it helps!