IP CEF and MLS

[patrick.dean]

I am looking to configure both IP CEF and MLS on a 4006 distribution switch that has both WAN/LAN connectivity. The switch has a Sup II (WS-X4013) and RSC (WS-X4232-L3).

My question is will MLS cache the multiple routes from IP CEF or just one? I am concerned that the two protocols may conflict with one another.

Has someone implemented a configuration with these protocols? If so, what challenges were faced and how were they overcome?

[t.baranski]

I'm curious - why do you want to use both switching methods?

[patrick.dean]

MLS is "route once, switch many" and IP CEF "allow multiple paths to destination". After further reading it looks like IP CEF is for "switching routers" and MLS is for "routing switches." While the 4006 is the later, the Sup IVs (that we'll start using in the near future) do not support MLS so it is a moot point.

Thanks for the information.

[Prashanth Krishnappa]

Sup2 does not do any kind of CEF/MLS for layer 2 hardware switching.