Understanding VRRP Logs and Transitions

[Craiegg]

Hello all,

i've been working on a few Meraki devices and I've seen some failover events come through. I would like to understand the logs better.

Security appliance Client Event type Details

Time (UTC)
Sep 29 15:31:01	MX001		VRRP transition	if_up: 0, old_if_up: 1, mode: detect   old_mode detect prio 75 old_prio 255 elector_state backup
Sep 29 15:26:05	MX001		VRRP transition	if_up: 1, old_if_up: 0, mode: detect  old_mode detect prio 255 old_prio 75 elector_state master

My Objective: Identify when the primary failed and switched to being a Backup.

Could someone help me understand the status codes in the Details section. I have read through the Routed HA Failover Behavior. But I do not understand the Elector state . 

Is it saying Elector State- Master = Device is currently Master
and Elector State - Backup = Device lost connectivity and is now Backup ( Spare becomes Master)?

Could someone please clarify the same for me. Would highly appreciate it! 

Thanks,

Craig.

[CptnCrnch]

Does the fine manual help?https://documentation.meraki.com/MX/Networks_and_Routing/Routed_HA_Failover_Behavior#VRRP_Mechanics_...

[Craiegg]

@CptnCrnch that indeed did help and i appreciate you referencing the link too.

However, what I am not understanding is the section Elector State - Master / Elector state - Backup

As per my reading of the link and understanding - 255 for Primary is Master and anything below that is Backup

As per my logs at Sep 29 15:26:05 MX001 - transitioned into Master as Prio is 255 and then at Sep 29 15:31:01 MX001 transitioned into Backup as Prio is 75.

Can you confirm that my understanding of this is correct? 

[CptnCrnch · Accepted solution]

Exactly:first, it had a priority of 255 and was acting as VRRP master. Then it looks like its uplink failed, therefore it transitioned to Prio 75 and went into Backup state.

[Craiegg]

@CptnCrnch 

That was helpful and quick. Thanks a lot for clarifying my doubts! Much appreciated 🙂