Home > Articles > Networking

VRRP Overview

This chapter is from the book

2.9  Failure Cases

So far we have been discussing different scenarios to illustrate how VRRP's switchover mechanism kicks in under different configurations. It may also be informative to look at different failure points in our context and indicate in which cases VRRP is of help and in which cases tools other than VRRP are required. To list all possible failure points, we start with our R1 router that acts as the master of the V1 virtual router. Figure 2-10 depicts the points of failure on R1.

Figure 2-10FIGURE 2-10. Points of failure around a router

f0 indicates the failure of the R1 as a whole. Different causes may lead to such a failure: the crash of the operating system, critical hardware failures, somebody accidentally unplugging the device. Whatever the cause, with a failure of f0 category, R1 becomes totally unoperational. f1 corresponds to the failure of the IF(R1.1) interface connecting R1 to N1 network. f2 corresponds to the failure of the interface IF(R1.2) connecting R1 to N2 network.

By looking at the larger context of our branch office LAN, we observe three additional failure points. Figure 2-11 establishes such a context in our discussion with VRRP and RIP running in the local network (N1) and BGP4 covering the cloud.

Figure 2-11FIGURE 2-11. Failure cases in context

Cloud failure in Figure 2-11 represents a complete failure of the WAN. In such cases, the branch office LAN segment becomes completely isolated. Given the current configuration, neither VRRP nor a dynamic routing protocol would be of help to restore the service. For that reason, we don't include the cloud failure case in our discussion.

f3 represents the failure of the N1 as a whole but with both R1 and R2 staying operational. Finally, f4 represents the case where the IF(R1.2) is operational but a failure occurs in the cloud, making R1 unreachable but keeping R2 connected.

To be more comprehensive, we distinguish the direction of the potential traffic flows. We use the symbol to represent the traffic flowing from the H1 host toward the N2 network; we use the symbol to represent the traffic in the opposite direction, the traffic flowing from N2 toward H1. In order to contrast the place where VRRP would be of help, and cases where a dynamic routing protocol would be required, we assume that RIP runs on N1 and BGP4 across the cloud between R1, R2, and R3. Note that by using multiple service providers, one creates redundant clouds unless they share resources. This is, of course, an additional (service, organization-oriented) dimension of the availability.

Given five failure points and 2 traffic flow directions, all in all we have ten cases to study. We expect some of them to be equivalent from the perspective of our discussion—relevance of VRRP to the specific case.

The study of Table 2-3 makes clear that VRRP is designed for the protection of a local interface for an outgoing traffic. The switchover kicks in when IF(R1.1) becomes unoperational through f0 or f1. The f4 case is a local catastrophe. Neither VRRP nor dynamic routing protocols are of help in this case. This predicament reminds us that there are other single points of failure in the system that cannot be fixed by just relying on protocols. In cases where IF(R1.1) is not impacted, VRRP is not relevant. To preserve availability in such cases, dynamic routing protocols are handy. Two observations may be appropriate at this juncture: First, dynamic routing protocols are also designed to preserve network availability. This is actually the topic of our discussion in Chapter 1 under the title Availability at Layer 2 and Layer 3. Second, VRRP is not a routing protocol. It is a first hop router redundancy, failover protocol, designed for cases in which hosts on a LAN do not run dynamic routing protocols.

TABLE 2-3.  Possible Failure Cases in a Context

FAILURE

DIRECTION

EFFECTS

f0

The master is unoperational. R2 becomes the new master, starts forwarding H1 traffic toward N1. VRRP helps in this case.

The master is unoperational. R2 becomes the new master. VRRP is not of help in this case. R3 detects the failure of R1 through BGP4 and reroutes the traffic to R2.

f1

The master stays operational, no switch over take place. But detecting the failure of IF(R1.2), R1 through RIP reroutes the traffic to R2.

The master stays operational. But R3 detects the failure of R1 through BGP4 and reroutes the traffic to R2. The effect same as f0 .

f2

The backup in R2 recognizes the unavailabity of the master and performs the switch over. VRRP helps in this case.

R3 detects N1 as unreachable through BGP4 and reroutes the traffic to R2.

f3

N1 network is fully isolated. Neither VRRP nor RIP can be of help in this case.

N1 network is fully isolated. Neither VRRP nor BGP4 can be of help in this case.

f4

R1 detects the link failure. RIP reroutes the traffic to R2.

R3 detects the failure. and through BGP4 reroutes the traffic to R2.


This fact reminds us that dynamic routing protocols contribute to the preservation of network availability.

InformIT Promotional Mailings & Special Offers

I would like to receive exclusive offers and hear about products from InformIT and its family of brands. I can unsubscribe at any time.

Overview


Pearson Education, Inc., 221 River Street, Hoboken, New Jersey 07030, (Pearson) presents this site to provide information about products and services that can be purchased through this site.

This privacy notice provides an overview of our commitment to privacy and describes how we collect, protect, use and share personal information collected through this site. Please note that other Pearson websites and online products and services have their own separate privacy policies.

Collection and Use of Information


To conduct business and deliver products and services, Pearson collects and uses personal information in several ways in connection with this site, including:

Questions and Inquiries

For inquiries and questions, we collect the inquiry or question, together with name, contact details (email address, phone number and mailing address) and any other additional information voluntarily submitted to us through a Contact Us form or an email. We use this information to address the inquiry and respond to the question.

Online Store

For orders and purchases placed through our online store on this site, we collect order details, name, institution name and address (if applicable), email address, phone number, shipping and billing addresses, credit/debit card information, shipping options and any instructions. We use this information to complete transactions, fulfill orders, communicate with individuals placing orders or visiting the online store, and for related purposes.

Surveys

Pearson may offer opportunities to provide feedback or participate in surveys, including surveys evaluating Pearson products, services or sites. Participation is voluntary. Pearson collects information requested in the survey questions and uses the information to evaluate, support, maintain and improve products, services or sites, develop new products and services, conduct educational research and for other purposes specified in the survey.

Contests and Drawings

Occasionally, we may sponsor a contest or drawing. Participation is optional. Pearson collects name, contact information and other information specified on the entry form for the contest or drawing to conduct the contest or drawing. Pearson may collect additional personal information from the winners of a contest or drawing in order to award the prize and for tax reporting purposes, as required by law.

Newsletters

If you have elected to receive email newsletters or promotional mailings and special offers but want to unsubscribe, simply email information@informit.com.

Service Announcements

On rare occasions it is necessary to send out a strictly service related announcement. For instance, if our service is temporarily suspended for maintenance we might send users an email. Generally, users may not opt-out of these communications, though they can deactivate their account information. However, these communications are not promotional in nature.

Customer Service

We communicate with users on a regular basis to provide requested services and in regard to issues relating to their account we reply via email or phone in accordance with the users' wishes when a user submits their information through our Contact Us form.

Other Collection and Use of Information


Application and System Logs

Pearson automatically collects log data to help ensure the delivery, availability and security of this site. Log data may include technical information about how a user or visitor connected to this site, such as browser type, type of computer/device, operating system, internet service provider and IP address. We use this information for support purposes and to monitor the health of the site, identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents and appropriately scale computing resources.

Web Analytics

Pearson may use third party web trend analytical services, including Google Analytics, to collect visitor information, such as IP addresses, browser types, referring pages, pages visited and time spent on a particular site. While these analytical services collect and report information on an anonymous basis, they may use cookies to gather web trend information. The information gathered may enable Pearson (but not the third party web trend services) to link information with application and system log data. Pearson uses this information for system administration and to identify problems, improve service, detect unauthorized access and fraudulent activity, prevent and respond to security incidents, appropriately scale computing resources and otherwise support and deliver this site and its services.

Cookies and Related Technologies

This site uses cookies and similar technologies to personalize content, measure traffic patterns, control security, track use and access of information on this site, and provide interest-based messages and advertising. Users can manage and block the use of cookies through their browser. Disabling or blocking certain cookies may limit the functionality of this site.

Do Not Track

This site currently does not respond to Do Not Track signals.

Security


Pearson uses appropriate physical, administrative and technical security measures to protect personal information from unauthorized access, use and disclosure.

Children


This site is not directed to children under the age of 13.

Marketing


Pearson may send or direct marketing communications to users, provided that

  • Pearson will not use personal information collected or processed as a K-12 school service provider for the purpose of directed or targeted advertising.
  • Such marketing is consistent with applicable law and Pearson's legal obligations.
  • Pearson will not knowingly direct or send marketing communications to an individual who has expressed a preference not to receive marketing.
  • Where required by applicable law, express or implied consent to marketing exists and has not been withdrawn.

Pearson may provide personal information to a third party service provider on a restricted basis to provide marketing solely on behalf of Pearson or an affiliate or customer for whom Pearson is a service provider. Marketing preferences may be changed at any time.

Correcting/Updating Personal Information


If a user's personally identifiable information changes (such as your postal address or email address), we provide a way to correct or update that user's personal data provided to us. This can be done on the Account page. If a user no longer desires our service and desires to delete his or her account, please contact us at customer-service@informit.com and we will process the deletion of a user's account.

Choice/Opt-out


Users can always make an informed choice as to whether they should proceed with certain services offered by InformIT. If you choose to remove yourself from our mailing list(s) simply visit the following page and uncheck any communication you no longer want to receive: www.informit.com/u.aspx.

Sale of Personal Information


Pearson does not rent or sell personal information in exchange for any payment of money.

While Pearson does not sell personal information, as defined in Nevada law, Nevada residents may email a request for no sale of their personal information to NevadaDesignatedRequest@pearson.com.

Supplemental Privacy Statement for California Residents


California residents should read our Supplemental privacy statement for California residents in conjunction with this Privacy Notice. The Supplemental privacy statement for California residents explains Pearson's commitment to comply with California law and applies to personal information of California residents collected in connection with this site and the Services.

Sharing and Disclosure


Pearson may disclose personal information, as follows:

  • As required by law.
  • With the consent of the individual (or their parent, if the individual is a minor)
  • In response to a subpoena, court order or legal process, to the extent permitted or required by law
  • To protect the security and safety of individuals, data, assets and systems, consistent with applicable law
  • In connection the sale, joint venture or other transfer of some or all of its company or assets, subject to the provisions of this Privacy Notice
  • To investigate or address actual or suspected fraud or other illegal activities
  • To exercise its legal rights, including enforcement of the Terms of Use for this site or another contract
  • To affiliated Pearson companies and other companies and organizations who perform work for Pearson and are obligated to protect the privacy of personal information consistent with this Privacy Notice
  • To a school, organization, company or government agency, where Pearson collects or processes the personal information in a school setting or on behalf of such organization, company or government agency.

Links


This web site contains links to other sites. Please be aware that we are not responsible for the privacy practices of such other sites. We encourage our users to be aware when they leave our site and to read the privacy statements of each and every web site that collects Personal Information. This privacy statement applies solely to information collected by this web site.

Requests and Contact


Please contact us about this Privacy Notice or if you have any requests or questions relating to the privacy of your personal information.

Changes to this Privacy Notice


We may revise this Privacy Notice through an updated posting. We will identify the effective date of the revision in the posting. Often, updates are made to provide greater clarity or to comply with changes in regulatory requirements. If the updates involve material changes to the collection, protection, use or disclosure of Personal Information, Pearson will provide notice of the change through a conspicuous notice on this site or other appropriate way. Continued use of the site after the effective date of a posted revision evidences acceptance. Please contact us if you have questions or concerns about the Privacy Notice or any objection to any revisions.

Last Update: November 17, 2020