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Introduction

7.2.0
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Introduction

Executive summary

There are many ways to build redundancy and resiliency. In a switching network, you can accomplish this by adding redundant links and switches in the topologies. Using redundant and aggregate links, you can avoid a single link failure causing a network to go down.

A multichassis link aggregation group (MCLAG) provides node-level redundancy by grouping two FortiSwitch models together so that they appear as a single switch on the network. If either switch fails, the MCLAG continues to function without any interruption, increasing network resiliency and eliminating the delays associated with the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).

This deployment guide shows how to use multiple tiers of MCLAGs to provide link and switch redundancy in a large campus.

Intended audience

This guide is intended for network and security architects and engineers who are interested in deploying Fortinet’s FortiSwitch units in a new environment or in replacing their equipment in an existing environment. Readers are expected to have a firm understanding of networking and security concepts.

About this guide

The deployment guide provides the design and deployment steps involved in deploying a specific architecture. Readers should first evaluate their environment to determine whether the architecture and design outlined in this guide is suitable for them. It is advisable to review the administration guide if readers are still in the process of selecting the right architecture.

This deployment guide presents one of many possible ways to deploy the solution. It might omit specific steps where readers must make design decisions to further configure their devices. It is recommended that readers also review supplementary material found in product administration guides, Knowledge Base articles, cookbooks, release notes, and other documents where appropriate.

Introduction

Executive summary

There are many ways to build redundancy and resiliency. In a switching network, you can accomplish this by adding redundant links and switches in the topologies. Using redundant and aggregate links, you can avoid a single link failure causing a network to go down.

A multichassis link aggregation group (MCLAG) provides node-level redundancy by grouping two FortiSwitch models together so that they appear as a single switch on the network. If either switch fails, the MCLAG continues to function without any interruption, increasing network resiliency and eliminating the delays associated with the Spanning Tree Protocol (STP).

This deployment guide shows how to use multiple tiers of MCLAGs to provide link and switch redundancy in a large campus.

Intended audience

This guide is intended for network and security architects and engineers who are interested in deploying Fortinet’s FortiSwitch units in a new environment or in replacing their equipment in an existing environment. Readers are expected to have a firm understanding of networking and security concepts.

About this guide

The deployment guide provides the design and deployment steps involved in deploying a specific architecture. Readers should first evaluate their environment to determine whether the architecture and design outlined in this guide is suitable for them. It is advisable to review the administration guide if readers are still in the process of selecting the right architecture.

This deployment guide presents one of many possible ways to deploy the solution. It might omit specific steps where readers must make design decisions to further configure their devices. It is recommended that readers also review supplementary material found in product administration guides, Knowledge Base articles, cookbooks, release notes, and other documents where appropriate.