During initial VSX configuration, how is the system MAC determined?

During initial VSX configuration, how is the system MAC determined?

• A. MAC derived from lower ID node
• B. MAC retained from primary node
• C. MAC chosen at random
• D. Fixed MAC based on VSX ID

Answer: (D)

In a VSX pair, the system MAC is not learned or copied from another device; it is created in a deterministic way from the VSX ID and remains fixed. The VSX ID serves as a unique domain identifier, and deriving the system MAC from it gives the pair a stable, globally unique MAC address that does not change with role shifts or reboots. This stability is important for control-plane and management traffic, ensuring consistent device identity and avoiding MAC conflicts in the network. If the VSX ID changes, the system MAC would change as well, which is why the value is kept fixed and tied to that domain identifier.

In a VSX pair, the system MAC is not learned or copied from another device; it is created in a deterministic way from the VSX ID and remains fixed. The VSX ID serves as a unique domain identifier, and deriving the system MAC from it gives the pair a stable, globally unique MAC address that does not change with role shifts or reboots. This stability is important for control-plane and management traffic, ensuring consistent device identity and avoiding MAC conflicts in the network. If the VSX ID changes, the system MAC would change as well, which is why the value is kept fixed and tied to that domain identifier.