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HA Networking with Two CEs Connected to Different PEs

This document outlines the process for configuring and testing HA networking with two CEs connected to separate PEs. The goal is to ensure seamless network connectivity and failover capability between a Master CE and an Apex CE, even if the Master CE becomes unavailable. This setup involves linking CEs to PEs, configuring routing between the CE LANs, verifying connectivity, and testing HA failover to ensure the backup system takes over gracefully

To configure HA, refer to the HA configuration document available here.

To begin, you'll need to establish links between the CE and PE. In this scenario, there is a Master CE and an Apex CE. These will be connected to two distinct PEs: sha-dev-p1 (PE1) and hak-dev-pe (PE2).

For detailed instructions on how to link your CEs to the PEs, please refer to the provided document CE link to PE.

Configuring Routing for LAN Communication​

Once the CEs are connected to their respective PEs, routing must be configured to enable communication between the LANs of the Master CE and the Apex CE. By default, these LANs, which will have different IP subnets (i.e., Master CE LAN: 172.30.1.0 and Apex CE LAN: 192.168.1.0), will not have direct connectivity.

For this, configure static routes on both CEs.

  • On the Master CE, add a route for the Apex CE's LAN IP.

  • On the Apex CE, add a route for the Master CE's LAN IP.

Additionally, a bridge gateway will be configured to facilitate connectivity between them.

For a comprehensive guide on how to implement this routing configuration, please visit the following document: routing configuration.

Verify Connectivity​

After configuring the routes, it's crucial to verify network connectivity between the two CE LANs. This ensures that the routing setup is functioning as expected.

To verify connectivity:

  • Ping the LAN IP of the Apex CE from the Master CE.
  • Ping the LAN IP of the Master CE from the Apex CE.

This will confirm that both LANs can reach each other. For detailed instructions on using the ping command and troubleshooting network connectivity, please refer to the routing troubleshooting document.

Testing HA Failover for Two CEs Connected to Different PEs​

HA ensures that if the master CE system stops working, network services and settings are automatically transferred to the backup system.

Here's what to consider during HA failover testing:

  • Ensure that the backup system has the same setup as the Master CE, including all routing settings between the Master CE and Apex CE.
  • Verify that the backup system does not go offline during or after the failover.
  • Once the backup system is active, confirm that it maintains the same connectivity with the Apex CE that the Master CE previously had. This means repeating the connectivity verification steps (pinging LAN IPs) from the backup CE to the Apex CE.

This process ensures that the network remains resilient and operational even in the event of a master CE failure.