Benefits of VSX

VSX has similar benefits as VSF, and VSX also offering better high availability during upgrades. VSX binds two ArubaOS-CX switches of the same model type to operate as one device for layer 2. VSX also operates as independent nodes for layer 3.

  • Control plane:

    • Dual control plane for better resiliency

    • Unified management (synchronized configuration and easy troubleshooting)

    • Independently software upgradable with near zero downtime

    • In-chassis redundancy for the 8400 series switches and device level redundancy for all other platforms, such as for the 832x series switches.

  • Layer 2 distributed LAGs (aggregation switches to access switches):

    • Loop-free L2 multipathing (active-active)

    • Rapid failover

    • Simple configuration

    • No Spanning Tree Required

  • Layer 3 distributed LAGs (core switches to aggregate switches)

    • Distributed Layer 3 over VSX pair (various options: Routed Only Ports (ROPs), Switched Virtual Interfaces (SVIs), or LAG SVIs)

    • Unified datapath (active-active first hop gateway)

    • Layer 3 ECMP + Layer 2 VSX LAG (highly fault tolerant) with active-forwarding

  • Active Gateway:

    • Active-Active first hop gateway (VIP)

    • No VRRP/HSRP

    • Simple configuration (one command)

    • No gateway protocol overhead

    • DHCP relay redundancy