Fix for l2-learning subsystem is not running error (Juniper vQFX)

If you're using vQFX in GNS3 or EVE-NG, you might have come across the below error.

error: the l2-learning subsystem is not running, for example the below operational commands will give you the specific error.

root@JNP-SW-01> show vlans 

error: the l2-learning subsystem is not running

root@JNP-SW-01> show ethernet-switching table 

error: the l2-learning subsystem is not running

This error occurs when the chassis is operating in a non-master role. use show virtual-chassis status command to verify this. Here the Role is entitle to Linecard. 

root@JNP-SW-01> show virtual-chassis status                                 Member ID  Status   Serial No  Model        prio  Role        

0 (FPC 0)  NotPrsnt xxxx       vqfx-10000    

1 (FPC 1)  Inactive xxxx       vqfx-10000   128   Linecard    

Due to this reason, you would see {linecard:1} in the CLI.

{linecard:1}

root@JNP-SW-01> 

Now let's see how we can rectify this.

Switch to shell mode, use the command exit from the operational mode to get into the shell mode.

root@JNP-SW-01> exit 

root@JNP-SW-01:LC:1% 

Change the working directory to /config/vchassis

root@JNP-SW-01:LC:1% cd /config/vchassis/

The ls command will list down the files in the current directory.

root@JNP-SW-01:LC:1% ls

vc.db                   vc.tlv.db.0             vclocal.conf.tlv.0

vc.mac                  vc.tlv.db.1             vclocal.conf.tlv.1

vc.param                vclocal.conf

vc.tlv.db               vclocal.conf.tlv

Remove all the files related to virtual chassis.

root@JNP-SW-01:LC:1% rm vc*

Switch to operational mode again. The command cli will get you to operational mode from shell mode.

root@JNP-SW-01:LC:1% cli

root@JNP-SW-01>

Reboot the device.

root@JNP-SW-01> request system reboot 

After the reboot, let's check the status of the chassis again.

root@JNP-SW-01> show virtual-chassis status                                Member ID  Status   Serial No  Model        prio  Role        

0 (FPC 0)  Inactive xxxx       vqfx-10000   128   Master   

{master:0}

root@JNP-SW-01> 

As the chassis is operating in Master role, now the specific error should be gone. To confirm this let's check the vlans again.

root@JNP-SW-01> show vlans 

Routing instance   VLAN name   Tag    Interfaces

default-switch     vlan10      10