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IntermediatePublished 2026-07-02

HSRP Interface Tracking for Uplink Failover

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Implement HSRP with interface tracking so the virtual gateway fails over when the active router loses its upstream link. Two routers (R1, R2) share a user LAN via SW with a single virtual default gateway for the PC, and both uplink to a separate CORE switch. The learner adds HSRP group 1 with a virtual IP, priority/preempt on R1, and tracks R1's uplink to drive deterministic failover.

Track
Est. time
45 minutes
Difficulty
Intermediate
Topics

Learning objectives

  • Configure HSRP group 1 with a shared virtual IP on two routers for a single LAN
  • Make R1 the intended active via HSRP priority and preempt
  • Track the upstream interface on R1 so an uplink failure reduces its HSRP priority and triggers failover
  • Verify HSRP active/standby state and tracked decrement using show commands
  • Validate endpoint default-gateway behavior using the virtual IP

Troubleshooting focus

  • HSRP group or virtual IP mismatch preventing peering
  • Virtual IP equals a real interface IP (invalid)
  • Preempt missing on the intended primary prevents role reclamation
  • Tracked interface reference wrong or down/up state misunderstood
  • PC default gateway not set to the VIP, causing loss of external reachability

Topology

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How this lab is graded
  • Build it your way. Where a lab lets you choose a value — a VLAN name, an interface description — grading checks that you configured it, not which name you picked. Names that another line has to reference, like an ACL applied with access-class, are stated in the guide and do have to match.
  • Addresses, modes and protocol keywords are exact. An IP address, a subnet mask, switchport mode trunk, an encapsulation — these carry the meaning of the lab, so they are graded as written in the guide.
  • Grading reads your saved configuration. Export the lab from CML after you have configured it, and make sure anything you set is in the running-config — a change that only exists in a terminal session never reaches the grader.
  • You can submit as many times as you like. Your best score stands, and each attempt tells you which checks passed so you can work the gaps.
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