Cisco IOS 12.0 Switching Services

Multilayer Switching Implementation

This section provides a step-by-step description of MLS implementation.

Note

The MLS-RPs shown in the figures represent either an RSM or an externally attached Cisco router.

The MLSP informs the Catalyst 5000 series switch of the MLS-RP MAC addresses used on different VLANs and the MLS-RP's routing and access-list changes. Through this protocol, the MLS-RP multicasts its MAC and VLAN information to all MLS-SEs. When the MLS-SE hears the MLSP hello message indicating an MLS initialization, the MLS-SE is programmed with the MLS-RP MAC address and its associated VLAN number (see Figure 12-1).

Figure 12-1. MLS Implementation: Step 1

In Figure 12-2, host A and host B are located on different VLANs. Host ...