Enabling software-based MAC learning on an interface
This feature is applicable to SDN networks.
To reduce broadcast traffic in an SDN network, the controller synchronizes the MAC addresses that each VTEP learns among all VTEPs. On a VTEP, an interface can learn MAC addresses in hardware or software.
In hardware-based learning mode, the software periodically obtains new MAC addresses from the hardware and advertises the MAC addresses to the controller.
In software-based learning mode, the software instantly issues new MAC addresses to the hardware and the controller as soon as they are learned.
Software-based MAC learning shortens the interval at which the VTEP advertises MAC address reachability information to the controller. However, this mode is resource intensive. When you use this mode, you must fully understand its impact on the device performance.
Configuration restrictions and guidelines
Software-based MAC learning consumes more resources than the hardware learning method. As a best practice to ensure device performance, do not enable software-based MAC learning if MAC addresses change frequently in the network.
Configuration procedure
To Enable software-based MAC learning on an interface:
Step | Command | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
1. Enter system view. | system-view | N/A |
2. Enter interface view. |
| N/A |
3. Enable software-based MAC learning on the interface. | l2vpn mac-address software-learning enable | By default, hardware-based MAC learning is used. |
4. (Optional.) Set the MAC learning limit on the interface. | mac-address max-mac-count count | By default, the MAC learning limit is not set on an interface. For more information about this command, see MAC address table commands in Layer 2—LAN Switching Command Reference. |