Teaming configuration with ARP ping link watch and link_watch.send_always option enabled in active-backup mode , causes trouble from switch side.

Solution Verified - Updated -

Issue

By default, ARP requests are sent on active ports only. Sometimes is needed to have link_watch.send_always option enabled, so that ARP probes are sent also on the inactive ports. This can cause issues on the switch side.

In more detail :
1. runner.hwaddr_policy set to same_all, result in MAC address flapping on the switch.
2. runner.hwaddr_policy set to only_active, result in frequent changes of the switch ARP table which causes pause of traffic flow.

Environment

  • Red Hat Enterprise Linux 7
  • Teaming in active-backup mode
  • link_watch.send_always enabled

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