1-3Typically, an Ethernet interface or optical port forwards service packets to the network. When bound toan IRF port, it acts as a physical IRF port and forwards packets among member devices. Packets thatcan be forwarded include IRF-related negotiation packets, and service packets that need to beforwarded cross-device.For the detailed information of physical IRF port on S5120-EI series switches, see Pysical IRF port.IRF mergeAs shown in Figure 1-2, two IRFs operate independently and steadily. You can connect them physicallyand perform necessary configurations to make them form one IRF, and this process is IRF merge.Figure 1-2 IRF mergeIRF splitAs shown in Figure 1-3, after an IRF is formed, the failure of the IRF link causes physical disconnectionbetween two devices, and then the IRF becomes two IRFs. This process is IRF split.Figure 1-3 IRF splitMember priorityMember priority decides the role of the member device during a role election process. A member with ahigher priority is more likely to be a master. The priority of a device defaults to 1. You can modify thepriority through command lines.IRF Working ProcessThe life cycle of an IRF involves four stages: IRF Connections, Topology Collection, Role Election, andIRF Management.IRF ConnectionsPysical IRF portTo make an IRF operate normally, you need to connect the IRF members physically. Physical ports thatare dedicated to IRF connection on devices are called physical IRF ports. For the S5120-EI series, the10 GE interface modules can be inserted into the expansion module slots on the rear panel of the switchto provide physical IRF ports. The following 10 GE interface modules can be used to provide physicalIRF ports:
