> # Setting Virtual Router Authentication

> VRRP security provides three options, including simple text authentication, MD5 authentication, and no authentication.

> - Simple text authentication uses a unique, 1 to 8 character password that is used by all switches participating in the same virtual router. This password should be different from other security passwords.
> - MD5 authentication uses a unique, 16 character key that is shared by all switches participating in the same virtual router. This secret key is shared by all switches in the same virtual router.
> - No authentication is the default option.

> You can configure the key using the authentication option in the VRRP submode and distribute it using the configuration file. The security parameter index (SPI) settings assigned in this option should be unique for each VSAN.

> Note All VRRP configurations must be duplicated.

> Note VRRP router authentication does not apply to IPv6.

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