Chapter 11. Configuring Redundancy; Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol; Redundancy Configuration - NETGEAR ProSafe WFS709TP Software Administration Manual

This chapter describes the following topics:
• "Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol" on page 11-1
• "Redundancy Configuration" on page 11-1

Virtual Router Redundancy Protocol

The underlying mechanism for NETGEAR's redundancy solutions is the Virtual Router
Redundancy Protocol (VRRP). This mechanism can be used to create various redundancy
solutions, including the following:
• Pairs of local WFS709TP ProSafe Smart Wireless Switches acting in an active-active mode or
a hot-standby mode
• A master WFS709TP backing up a set of local WFS709TPs
• A pair of WFS709TPs acting as a redundant pair of master WFS709TPs in a hot-standby mode
VRRP is designed to eliminate a single point of failure by providing an election mechanism for
WFS709TPs to elect a "master" WFS709TP. This master WFS709TP is the owner of the
configured Virtual IP (VIP) address for the VRRP instance. When the master becomes
unavailable, one of the backup WFS709TPs takes the place of the master and owns the Virtual IP
address. All network elements (such as the APs and other WFS709TP) can be configured to access
the Virtual IP, thereby providing a transparent redundant solution to the rest of the network.

Redundancy Configuration

In a WFS709TP ProSafe Smart Wireless Switch system, all access points (APs) are controlled by a
WFS709TP switch. The APs tunnel all data to the WFS709TP, which processes the data, including
encryption/decryption, bridging/forwarding, and so on.
Configuring Redundancy
v1.0, June 2007
Chapter 11
11-1