1-11 IRF ConfigurationWhen configuring IRF, go to these sections for information you are interested in:z Introduction to IRFz Basic Concepts of IRFz IRF Working Processz IRF Configuration Task Listz Switching Operating Modez Configuring IRFz Accessing an IRFz Displaying and Maintaining IRFz IRF Configuration ExamplesIntroduction to IRFOverviewIntelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) is a software virtualization technology developed by 3Com. Itscore idea is to interconnect multiple devices through physical IRF ports and perform necessaryconfigurations, and then these devices are virtualized into a virtual device. This virtualizationtechnology realizes the cooperation of multiple devices, unified management, and non-stopmaintenance.Hereinafter, the virtual device is called IRF.z At present, the S7900E Series Ethernet Switches support an IRF of two members, that is, you canuse two S7900E series switches to form an IRF: one operates as the master and the otheroperates as the slave.z At present, the S7903E, S7906E, S7910E and S7906E-V support IRF.AdvantagesIRF has the following advantages:z Streamlined managementAfter an IRF is formed, you can log in to the IRF system by connecting to a port of any IRF member andperform unified management to all member devices.z High reliability
