Switches, Routers and Multicast macs

[juniper-int]

Is there a problem with a Cisco router accepting a multicast MAC in response to a unicast ARP request? Does a switch have a similar problem such that it won't put a multicast MAC in its cam table? A Check Point HA solution using multicast MACS allegedly requires static cam entries and arp entries all over the place and I'm trying to see if this can be avoided.

[andrew.butterworth]

You probably want to look at VRRP on the CheckPoint stuff, I seem to remember the CatX's will have issues with Multicast MAC entries (flooding??)

[perceive]

Probably depends on the solution that is being used, a stonebeat or clusterxl setup will require multicast mac addresses to work properly, but if you're using nokia's or can buy some radware boxes then you won't need them.

Here is Stonebeats document for routers:

http://www.stonesoft.com/estone/support/knowledgebase/view.html?id=0000000647&q=cisco

and a link to some example switch setups for it:

http://www.stonesoft.com/document/art/2368.html

(ClusterXL should be a long the same lines as these).

Cheers,

Steve