[j-nsp] VPLS Multi-homing primary site link failure failover

[Clarke Morledge]

I have a VPLS multi-homed environment with two MX routers (PE1 and PE2) 
connected to a single ethernet switch (CE1).  I have PE1 configured with 
site-preference as "primary" and PE2 as "backup".   The interfaces going 
to CE1 are the only interfaces configured in the multi-homed site on each 
router.

I am using VPLS with LDP for the label switched paths and BGP for the L2 
signaling.  This is with Junos 9.6.  If I manually change the site 
preference between PE1 and PE2, the correct site is elected as expected.

However, if I physically disconnect the interface between PE1 and CE1, I 
would expect that PE1 would realize that there are no more active 
interfaces left on the site and then failover to PE2 for it to become the 
new primary.

Unfortunately, this isn't happening.  From the perspective of PE1, the 
VPLS site on PE2 is shown as "RN", remote site not designated.   From the 
perspective of PE2, the site is shown as "LN", local site not designated. 
So, PE1 still thinks it is in charge.

Is this a configuration error on my part, or is this FAD?   Is there some 
sort of workaround that I can implement to force a new "primary" site 
election between PE1 and PE2 in the event of a link failure at PE1?

Clarke Morledge
College of William and Mary
Information Technology - Network Engineering
Jones Hall (Room 18)
Williamsburg VA 23187