IP Protocol Considerations

The ExtremeXOS software allows an IP address to be configured for a Layer 2 VPN service VLAN. This is permitted to allow the switch to use the IP ping and traceroute functions to and from other nodes on the VLAN. It is envisioned that any such IP address is configured temporarily to assist in network verification.

As such, the ExtremeXOS software does not allow IP forwarding to be enabled on a Layer 2 VPN service VLAN for either IPv4 or IPv6. Therefore, any higher-level protocol that requires IP forwarding to be enabled cannot be enabled on a Layer 2 VPN service VLAN. For example, OSPF cannot be enabled on a VPLS service VLAN at the PE router. However, OSPF routers can be attached to the service vlan transparently at the customer interfaces. In addition, IGMP snooping cannot be enabled on a VPLS service VLAN.