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ERPS v1/v2 Configuration

Technical Note 3003

Table of Contents

Applicable Model(s)

MapleLink

MapleLink-Lite

Title

ERPS v1/v2 Configuration

Date

04/08/2025

Rev

00

P/N

TN3003

Summary

This technical note explains how to access and configure the ERPS (Ethernet Ring Protection Switching) feature, including enabling the global ERPS setting and activating a single ERPS ring. It provides clear descriptions of the most common ERPS configuration options such as Ring ID, Control VLAN, Left/Right Ports, Timers, and Revertive behavior. Additionally, it details how to instantiate an ERPS instance.

As a best practice, ensure all required data VLANs are explicitly assigned to both ring-facing ports to maintain communication during failover events.

Note: Requires two managed switches for a complete ERPS topology. If ERPS is not configured properly you may experience a Request Timed Out and Destination Host Unreachable when using the ping utility through the command prompt.

Solution

Note: If the network is physically configured to run this ERPS Ring but it is disabled, network issues may arise. Ring ID, Ring name, Instance, Control VLAN, left and right ports are required for the ERPS ring to be applied. Control VLAN requires its own dedicated VLAN that is not in use.

1.

Using a PC connected to the same network, enter the IP address of the MapleLink Network Switch into a web browser to access the MapleLink menu.

2.

Inside MapleLink navigate to Advanced Settings > ERPS > Ring and enable Global State. It allows the network device to be configured for an ERPS topology.

Advanced Settings, Global State

3.

An ERPS Ring may be created with state disabled or enabled which controls if this configuration will be used during runtime.

Select State Settings

1.

Using a PC connected to the same network, enter the IP address of the MapleLink-Lite Network Switch into a web browser to access the MapleLink-Lite menu.

2.

Inside MapleLink-Lite navigate to the Configuration > Ring Settings > ERPS Configuration and enable Global State.

Enable Global State

3.

A ERPS Ring may be created with state disabled or enabled which controls if this configuration will be used during runtime.

Set State Disabled or Enabled

Enabling ERPS Instance in MapleLink

1.

Navigate to Advanced Settings > ERPS > Instance

Navigate to Instance in Advanced Settings

2.

The Instance and Control VLAN values should match what’s on the Ring tab on a configured ERPS ring.

Make sure values match on Ring Tab

3.

The Data VLAN specifies which VLAN can send and receive data on the ERPS ring network.

a.

For example: VLAN 10 is configured for ports 1, 3, 4, and 5. VLAN 20 is configured for ports 1, 2, and 6. The ERPS Left port is configured for port 1. The ERPS Right port is configured for port 3. VLAN 10 and 20 data is egressing and ingressing through port 1. If port 1 is blocked and port 3 is enabled, then only VLAN 10 will be permitted.

1.

Navigate to Configuration > Ring Settings > ERPS Instance

Go to ERPS Instance in Configuration

2.

The Instance, and Control VLAN values should match what’s on the Ring tab on a configured ERPS ring.

3.

The Data VLAN specifies which VLAN can send and receive data on the ERPS ring network.

a.

For example: VLAN 10 is configured for ports 1, 3, 4, and 5. VLAN 20 is configured for ports 1, 2, and 6. The ERPS Left port is configured for port 1. The ERPS Right port is configured for port 3. VLAN 10 and 20 data is egressing and ingressing through port 1. If port 1 is blocked and port 3 is enabled, then only VLAN 10 will be permitted.

ERPS v1 & v2 Terminology Reference Table

TermDescription
Ring IDUnique identifier for the ERPS ring.
Ring NameDescriptive name for the ring.
InstanceRepresents the logical ERPS instance. Each ring uses a separate instance number to support multiple rings on a single switch.
Control VLANVLAN ID used for ERPS control messages. It must be the same across all switches in the ring. Cannot be the same as a preconfigured VLAN ID on the switch.
Holdoff Timer (ms)Delay time before ERPS reacts to a link failure. Helps prevent false link-loss detection during short link flaps.
MELDefines the OAM (Operations, Administration, and Maintenance) level for ERPS messages. Used to separate ERPS domains.
Left PortOne of the two ring-facing interfaces on the switch. In ERPS v1, it must be directionally aligned with the neighbor’s Right Port. In ERPS v2, port direction is flexible.
StateCurrent operational state of the ERPS ring (e.g., Idle, Blocked, Failed, etc.).
RevertiveWhen enabled, the ring reverts to its original topology after a fault is cleared. Non-revertive keeps the alternate path.
Ring TypeDefines whether the ring is a standard ERPS ring or part of a larger topology (like sub-rings or interconnected rings).
VersionSelects between ERPS v1 and v2. v1 is stricter about port directions; v2 offers more flexibility and scalability.
WTR Timer (sec)Time the switch waits before restoring the ring after a failure is cleared, allowing the network to stabilize.
Guard Timer (ms)Ensures no new topology changes are made during restoration. Prevents network flapping during ring recovery.
Right PortThe second ring-facing interface on the switch. In ERPS v1, it connects to the neighbor’s Left Port. In v2, Left and Right port roles are auto managed by the protocol.