Intelligent Resilient Framework Explained

Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) is a proprietary software virtualization technology originally developed by Huawei 3Com. It can connect and configure multiple network devices through physical ports and then virtualize the devices. This enables the unified management and maintenance of multiple devices.^[1] This technology is similar to the Cisco Virtual PortChannel (vpC).

History

This technology was originally developed by 3Com and released in 2003 as XRN (eXpandable Resilient Networking).^[2] When HP Inc. purchased 3Com in April 2010,^[3] the technology was renamed to IRF.

Overview

An IRF virtual device appears as a node on the network, which can be connected to in order to manage all members of the virtual device. The IRF is designed to combine the cost-effective benefits of box-type devices with the reliability of chassis-based devices. IRF proponents claim that an IRF-based network increases network resilience, performance, and availability, while also reducing the operating complexity.^[4] In simulated tests, IRF was found to be resilient to severe induced failures.

Devices which support IRF

Currently, this technology is specific to HP Inc. products and solutions.^{[5] [6]}

• HPE FlexNetwork HSR6800 Router Series
• HPE FlexFabric 5700 Switch Series
• HPE 5900 Switch Series^[7]
• HPE 5920 Switch Series^[8]
• HPE 5940 Switch Series^[9]
• HPE 6125XLG Ethernet Blade Switch^[10]
• HPE FlexFabric 12900E Switch Series^[11]

See also

• IEEE 802.1aq (Shortest Path Bridging)
• H3C
• HPE
• Huawei
• Link aggregation
• TRILL (TRansparent Interconnection of Lots of Links)

Notes and References

1. Web site: H3C - Products & Solutions - IRF2.0 Technology White Paper . 2010-12-15 . https://web.archive.org/web/20101005184935/http://h3c.com/portal/Products___Solutions/Technology/IRF/Technology_White_Paper/200901/624932_57_0.htm . 2010-10-05 . dead .
2. Web site: David Newman . 3 March 2003 . XRN Interconnect architecture . 26 June 2014.
3. Web site: Stricker . Ben . April 12, 2010 . HP Completes Acquisition of 3Com Corporation, Accelerates Converged Infrastructure Strategy . live . www.investor.hp.com.
4. Web site: Buyer's Guide: HP's Intelligent Resilient Framework (IRF) put to the test Computer Weekly . 2024-08-11 . ComputerWeekly.com . en.
5. http://h17007.www1.hpe.com/docs/reports/irf.pdf
6. only on models with fixed or optional 10G ports
7. https://www.hpe.com/h20195/v2/GetPDF.aspx/4AA3-8996ENW.pdf HPE 5900 Switch Series
8. https://h50146.www5.hpe.com/products/networking/datasheet/4AA4-0018ENW.pdf HPE 5920 Switch Series
9. https://www.hpe.com/h20195/v2/GetPDF.aspx/4AA6-6465ENN.pdf HPE 5940 Switch Series
10. https://www.hpe.com/uk/en/product-catalog/servers/server-interconnects/pip.hpe-6125xlg-ethernet-blade-switch.5404492.html HPE 6125XLG Ethernet Blade Switch
11. https://support.hpe.com/hpesc/public/docDisplay?docId=a00061726en_us&docLocale=en_US HPE FlexFabric 12900E Switch Series