In a Virtual Chassis (VC) configuration, multiple Juniper switches are interconnected to form a single logical device. Each member switch in the Virtual Chassis plays a specific role.
Step-by-Step Breakdown:
1. Line Card Role:
o Member switches acting as line cards provide additional ports for traffic forwarding but do not perform control or routing functions. These switches depend on the routing engine to handle control-plane tasks.
2. Routing Engine Role:
o A switch in the routing-engine role is responsible for control-plane operations such as routing protocol management and control of the Virtual Chassis.
3. Virtual Chassis Roles:
o Master Routing Engine: Handles control-plane functions and manages the entire Virtual Chassis.
o Backup Routing Engine: Takes over if the master fails.
o Line Card: Provides additional ports and handles data-plane operations.
Juniper Reference:
· Virtual Chassis: In a five-member Virtual Chassis, multiple switches act as line cards, while one or more switches are designated as the routing engines (master and backup).
