Information about Ethernet Fault Detection
Ethernet Fault Detection (EFD) is a mechanism that allows Ethernet OAM protocols, such as CFM, to control the “line protocol” state of an interface.Unlike many other interface types, Ethernet interfaces do not have a line protocol, whose state is independent from that of the interface. For Ethernet interfaces, this role is handled by the physical-layer Ethernet protocol itself, and therefore if the interface is physically up, then it is available and traffic can flow.
EFD changes this to allow CFM to act as the line protocol for Ethernet interfaces. This allows CFM to control the interface state so that if a CFM defect (such as AIS or loss of continuity) is detected with an expected peer MEP, the interface can be shut down. This not only stops any traffic flowing, but also triggers actions in any higher-level protocols to route around the problem. For example, in the case of Layer 2 interfaces, the MAC table would be cleared and MSTP would reconverge. For Layer 3 interfaces, the ARP cache would be cleared and potentially the IGP would reconverge.
Note |
EFD can only be used for down MEPs. When EFD is used to shut down the interface, the CFM frames continue to flow. This allows CFM to detect when the problem has been resolved, and thus bring the interface backup automatically. |
The figure shows CFM detection of an error on one of its sessions EFD signaling an error to the corresponding MAC layer for the interface. This triggers the MAC to go to a down state, which further triggers all higher level protocols (Layer 2 pseudowires, IP protocols, and so on) to go down and also trigger a reconvergence where possible. As soon as CFM detects there is no longer any error, it can signal to EFD and all protocols will once again go active.
Prerequisites for EFD
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EFD should be configured on only one side of the connection. When both sides go down because of EFD, CFM cannot be brought up as CFM frames are not sent by both the nodes.
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EFD is supported on EFP, port-channel, and port MEPs.
Limitations and Restrictions for EFD
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EFD is supported only on Down MEPs.
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When a EFD line-protocol enabled CFM service has down MEPs configured under different interfaces (EFP), EFD events such as CCM interval mismatch, MD level mismatch bring down all the interfaces containing MEPs created for this CFM service.
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EFD action is not applicable to Trunk EFPs.
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EFD actions are not successful with a forwarding-loop.
Enabling Ethernet Fault Detection for a Service
To enable Ethernet Fault Detection (EFD) for a service to achieve fast convergence, complete the following steps:
Note |
Link protection is not supported on the Cisco ASR 900 RSP3 Module. |
Procedure
Step 1 |
enable Example:
Enables privileged EXEC mode.
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Step 2 |
configure terminal Example:
Enters global configuration mode. |
Step 3 |
ethernet cfm global Example:
Enables Ethernet CFM globally. |
Step 4 |
link-protection enable Example:
Enables link protection globally on the router. |
Step 5 |
ethernet cfm domaindomain-name level level-id [direction outward] Example:
Configures the CFM domain for ODU 1 and enters Ethernet CFM configuration mode. |
Step 6 |
service {ma-name | ma-num | vlan-id vlan-id | vpn-id vpn-id} [port | vlan vlan-id [direction down]] Example:
Defines a maintenance association for ODU 1 and enters Ethernet CFM service instance configuration mode. |
Step 7 |
continuity-check [interval time | loss-threshold threshold | static rmep] Example:
Enables the transmission of continuity check messages (CCMs). |
Step 8 |
efd notify g8032 Example:
Enables CFM to notify registered protocols when a defect is detected or cleared, which matches the current fault alarm priority. |
Step 9 |
efd line-protocol Example:
Triggers line-protocol action when the CFM error-database is updated. |
Step 10 |
end Example:
Returns to user EXEC mode. |
Configuration Example for EFD
Device#show ethernet ser ins int g0/0/6
Identifier Type Interface State CE-Vlans
2 Static GigabitEthernet0/0/6 ErrorDis
The following example is a sample of configuration of EFD.
Device#show ethernet ser ins int g0/0/6
Identifier Type Interface State CE-Vlans
2 Static GigabitEthernet0/0/6 ErrorDis