Understanding Cluster over Layer 3

In releases prior to Netvisor ONE version 7.0.0, direct links between switch pairs were required for clusters to form and function. This means that you must reserve one or more links between the cluster nodes.

Starting from release 7.0.0, as an option, Netvisor ONE supports the formation of switch cluster pairs without requiring any direct Layer 2 connections. 

This feature leverages the VXLAN technology and is referred to as “cluster over Layer 3” in short. (Refer to the Configuring VXLAN chapter for more details on the VXLAN technology.) 

The implementation of cluster over Layer 3 uses the uplinks connected to the spine nodes (which can be third-party devices) in order to form a cluster pair communicating over a Layer 3 network. 

See the Configuring Cluster over Layer 3 section below for platform support, a deployment model, and the required configuration steps.