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AdvancedPublished 2026-07-03

VRRP Object Tracking for Uplink Failover

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Configure VRRP with interface object tracking so the virtual gateway fails over when the active router loses its upstream link, avoiding black-holing. The site LAN (VLAN 10) uses a single virtual default gateway (10.0.10.254) shared by two IOS routers (R1, R2). A separate access switch (SW) bridges the LAN. Both routers uplink via Ethernet0/1 to a second switch (CORE) on VLAN 99 to represent the upstream path. R1 is the intended VRRP master (priority 110). You will create a track object that monitors R1's uplink (Ethernet0/1) and decrements its VRRP priority by 20 if the link fails, allowing R2 to preemptively take over as master. The lab grades the deterministic VRRP configuration: common group and virtual IP on both routers, R1 priority 110, the global track object, and the 'vrrp 1 track 1 decrement 20' tie-in on R1.

Track
Est. time
40 minutes
Difficulty
Advanced
Topics

Learning objectives

  • Configure VRRP with a shared virtual IP on two routers for a single LAN
  • Deterministically select the VRRP master using priority (R1=110, R2=100)
  • Build and reference a global track object to monitor an uplink interface
  • Verify VRRP role, priority, and tracking state with IOS show commands
  • Explain how VRRP preemption and priority decrement avoid black-holing

Troubleshooting focus

  • Mismatch in VRRP group number or virtual IP prevents the pair from forming
  • R1 not master due to missing priority or unexpected decrement state
  • Track object defined but not referenced on the VRRP interface
  • Tracking the wrong interface or wrong object number — no priority change
  • VRRP suppressed by a shutdown or an administrative down state on the LAN interface

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Grade your work

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.
  • Scored something you believe is correct? Use Report an issue on this page — that is exactly how the grading fixes in the changelog got found.

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