Information About FHRP - Multiple Group Optimization
The Multiple Group Optimization (MGO) feature is specifically designed for subinterfaces. It operates with minimal Layer three configurations, provided the physical interface remains active.
HSRP Multiple Group Optimization
The configuration of many hundreds of subinterfaces on the same physical interface, with each subinterface having its own HSRP group, can cause the processes of negotiation and maintenance of multiple HSRP groups to have a detrimental impact on network traffic and CPU utilization.
Only one HSRP group is required on a physical interface for the purposes of electing active and standby devices. This group is known as the primary group. Other HSRP groups may be created on each subinterface and linked to the primary group via the group name. These linked HSRP groups are known as client or subordinate groups.
In a scenario where a following group is in the backup state and its peer is in the master state, the following group stays in the backup state even if the peer’s subinterface goes down. MGO client groups do not participate in the HSRP election process. Instead, they inherit the state of their master group. These client groups do not maintain peer state awareness and do not exchange protocol election packets.
The only traffic sent by MGO client groups includes periodic MAC refresh packets. These packets maintain the Virtual MAC address entries on connected switches. These MAC refresh packets are sent based on a configurable MAC refresh timer. They do not participate in the election process.