43-5
Catalyst 4500 Series Switch, Cisco IOS Software Configuration Guide - Cisco IOS XE 3.9.xE and IOS 15.2(5)Ex
 
Chapter 43      Configuring VRF-lite
Configuring VRF-lite for IPv4
Note For complete syntax and usage information for the following commands, see the switch command 
reference for this release and see the Cisco IOS Switching Services Command Reference at: 
http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/ios/ipswitch/command/reference/isw_book.html
Use the no ip vrf vrf-name global configuration command to delete a VRF and to remove all interfaces 
from it. Use the no ip vrf forwarding interface configuration command to remove an interface from the 
VRF.
Configuring VRF-Aware Services
IP services can be configured on global interfaces and within the global routing instance. IP services are 
enhanced to run on multiple routing instances; they are VRF-aware. Any configured VRF in the system 
can be specified for a VRF-aware service.
VRF-aware services are implemented in platform-independent modules. VRF provides multiple routing 
instances in Cisco IOS. Each platform has its own limit on the number of VRFs it supports.
VRF-aware services have the following characteristics:
• The user can ping a host in a user-specified VRF.
• ARP entries are learned in separate VRFs. The user can display Address Resolution Protocol (ARP) 
entries for specific VRFs.
Step 4
Switch(config-vrf)# rd 
route-distinguisher
Creates a VRF table by specifying a route distinguisher. 
Enter either an AS number and an arbitrary number 
(xxx:y) or an IP address and arbitrary number 
(A.B.C.D:y).
Step 5
Switch(config-vrf)# route-target 
{export | import | both} 
route-target-ext-community
Creates a list of import, export, or import and export route 
target communities for the specified VRF. Enter either an 
AS system number and an arbitrary number (xxx:y) or an 
IP address and an arbitrary number (A.B.C.D:y). 
Note This command is effective only if BGP is running.
Step 6
Switch(config-vrf)# import map 
route-map
(Optional) Associates a route map with the VRF.
Step 7
Switch(config-vrf)# interface 
interface-id
Enters interface configuration mode and specify the Layer 
3 interface to be associated with the VRF. The interface 
can be a routed port or SVI. 
Step 8
Switch(config-if)# ip vrf forwarding 
vrf-name
Associates the VRF with the Layer 3 interface.
Step 9
Switch(config-if)# end
Returns to privileged EXEC mode.
Step 10
Switch# show ip vrf [brief | detail 
| interfaces] [vrf-name]
Verifies the configuration. Displays information about the 
configured VRFs.
Step 11
Switch# copy running-config 
startup-config
(Optional) Saves your entries in the configuration file.
Command Purpose