EVPN timers

Updated: June 10, 2026

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Provides details about EVPN timers, their ranges, default values, triggers, applicability, actions, and sequence to help optimize route propagation and convergence in EVPN networks.

EVPN timers are parameters within EVPN that control the timing of route propagation and convergence events.

EVPN timers ensure efficient and reliable exchange of MAC and IP information by controlling route propagation and convergence. Their significance lies in optimizing network stability, reducing downtime, and improving responsiveness during topology changes.

This table shows various EVPN timers:

Table 1. EVPN timers
Timer	Range	Default Value	Trigger	Applicability	Action	Sequence
startup-cost-in	30-86400	disabled	node recovered^*	Single-Homed, All-Active, Single-Active	Postpone EVPN startup procedure and Hold AC link(s) down to prevent CE to PE forwarding. Startup-cost-in timer allows PE to set core protocols first.	1
recovery	20-3600s	30s	node recovered, interface recovered ^**	Single-Homed^***, Single-Active	Postpone EVPN Startup procedure. Recovery timer allows PE to set access protocols (STP) before reachability towards EVPN core is advertised.	2
peering	0-3600s	3s	node recovered, interface recovered	All-Active, Single-Active	Starts after sending EVPN RT4 to postpone rest of EVPN startup procedure. Peering timer allows remote PE (multihoming AC with same ESI) to process RT4 before DF election will happen.	3

Note

The timers are available in EVPN global configuration mode and in EVPN interface sub-configuration mode.

Startup-cost-in is available in EVPN global configuration mode only.

Timers are triggered in sequence (if applicable).

Cost-out is a EVPN timer in EVPN global configuration mode brings down AC link(s) to prepare node for reload or software upgrade.

^* indicates all required software components are loaded.

^** indicates link status is up.

^*** you can change the recovery timer on Single-Homed AC if you do not expect any STP protocol convergence on connected CE.

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