Understanding HiGig and HGoE Modes in a Virtual Chassis

HiGig Mode

The HiGig protocol enables you to connect member switches into a single logical unit or Virtual Chassis. By default, Virtual Chassis on most switches operates in HiGig mode. HiGig mode allows you to create multiple logical virtual chassis ports (VCPs) or ifds in a single physical port. For example, in an EX4400, each of the 100 GbE QSFP28 ports can operate as two logical 50 GbE VCPs. Disabling one of these logical ports as a VCP will disable all logical ports connected to that physical port.

On switches without dedicated VCPs, you can use a specific set of ports as either VCPs or network ports. To convert VCPs to network ports, use the request virtual-chassis mode network-port <reboot> command. To convert network ports back to VCPs, use the request virtual-chassis mode network-port disable <reboot> command.

HiGig over Ethernet (HGoE) Mode

The HiGig protocol packets can be encapsulated in a standard Ethernet frame before they are sent out on the virtual chassis interface. This feature is known as HiGig over Ethernet (HGoE). In HGoE mode, each physical port comes up as a single VCP. Each physical port has a single ifd. For example, in the EX4400, each 100 GbE QSFP28 port comes up as a single logical 100 GbE VCP.

To enable HGoE mode, use the request virtual-chassis mode hgoe <reboot> command. To disable HGoE mode, use the request virtual-chassis mode hgoe disable <reboot> command. All VCPs simultaneously operate in HGoE mode or HiGig mode.

In HGoE mode, you can convert some of the VCPs to network ports as required. You don't need to simultaneously use all the ports as VCPs or network ports.