How the Chassis Classifies Packets

Each packet that enters the chassis must be classified, so that the chassis can determine to which instance to send a packet.

• Unique Interfaces—If only one instance is associated with the ingress interface, the chassis classifies the packet into that instance. For bridge group member interfaces (in transparent mode or routed mode), inline sets, or passive interfaces, this method is used to classify packets at all times.

• Unique MAC Addresses—The chassis automatically generates unique MAC addresses for all interfaces, including shared interfaces. If multiple instances share an interface, then the classifier uses unique MAC addresses assigned to the interface in each instance. An upstream router cannot route directly to an instance without unique MAC addresses. You can also set the MAC addresses manually when you configure each interface within the application.

Note	If the destination MAC address is a multicast or broadcast MAC address, the packet is duplicated and delivered to each instance.