Eth 0/2 on NetVanta 5305

[elwinransom]

I am currently using a NetVanta 5305 to extend a LAN over multiple T1s to remote locations, i.e. using multiple point-to-point T1 circuits to remote offices.  At each remote end I have a NetVanta 3200 also as a bridge.  At the head end, I have an existing switch on my LAN that I connected to Eth 0/1 on the NetVanta 5305.  Yet I see this second Ethernet port (Eth 0/2) and am wondering if I can use it in conjunction with Eth 0/1 on the bridge.

First, is this even possible?  Secondly, are there any efficiencies (or improvements to reliability) by using this second port?  I was thinking in the event that Eth 0/1 fails, the traffic can still travel on Eth 0/2.

Thanks!

[Anonymous · Accepted solution]

:

Thank you for asking this question in the support community.  The answer is "it depends."  Is the unit configured for bridging , where the IP address subnets on the NetVanta 5305 and NetVanta 3200 are the same?  Or is it routing, where each location has a different IP address subnet?

If the unit is bridging, then you cannot have both Ethernet ports in the same subnet and bridge between them.  However, if the unit is routing, you can use Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol (VRRP) to accomplish what you want.  Here is the Configuring VRRP in AOS document.

Please, do not hesitate to reply to this post with any additional questions or information.  I will be happy to help in any way I can.

Levi

[elwinransom]

Thanks for the information!

The IP addresses are different but are on the same subnet, so it seems that I cannot use Eth 0/2.

[Anonymous]

:

If the IP addresses are different, but in the same subnet, then you are bridging.  You will not be able to use both of the Ethernet ports on the NetVanta 5305 as two ports in the same subnet, as this application is not supported.

Thank you for asking this question, and please feel free to ask any others you might have.

Levi

[elwinransom]

Thanks! 

FYI- I went ahead and put your initial reply as "Answered".