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Overview of Split MultiLink Trunking

Mission critical networks require resiliency, and as a result, must be designed with a number of redundancy features. Within the Passport 8000 Series switch, such features include CPU redundancy and link redundancy using MLT.

In order to provide device redundancy, most enterprise networks are designed with redundant connections between aggregation (core) switches and user access switches. For networks with just one aggregation switch, MLT provides redundancy and load sharing.

SMLT improves the reliability of a layer 2 (L2) network operating between a building's user access switches and the network center aggregation switch. It does so by providing loadsharing among all the links and fast failover in case of link failures.

An Inter Switch Trunk (IST) operates between the aggregation switches and allows them to exchange information. This permits the rapid detection of any faults and the modification of forwarding paths.


Note Note: Although SMLT is primarily designed for layer 2 networks, it also provides benefits for layer 3 networks as well.

For more information about SMLT, see Networking Concepts for the Passport 8000 Series Switch.

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