Cabletron Systems manual Using the TSX-1620 Bridge View, Bridging Basics

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Chapter 3

Using the TSX-1620 Bridge View

A brief explanation of bridging methods; a tour of the Bridge Traffic View; using the Detail View; monitoring bridge operation; using the Filtering Database; configuring bridge operating parameters; setting forwarding thresholds and notification options; setting polling parameters; enabling and disabling bridges

The SPECTRUM Portable Management Application (SPMA) Bridge View presents a series of windows that describe the TSX-1620 bridge and its bridge interfaces. The Bridge View is available for devices that support the dot1dBridge MIB. You can monitor bridge activity and performance and manage bridge configuration for both Transparent and Source Routing bridging through the Bridge Traffic View and other related windows. The SPMA bridge application provides separate windows for configuring Source Route and Transparent bridging.

Bridging Basics

Bridges are used in local area networks to connect two or more network segments and to control the flow of packets between the segments. Ideally, bridges forward packets to another network segment only when necessary. Bridges are also used to increase the fault tolerance in a local area network by creating redundant bridge paths between network segments. This is so that in the event of a bridge or bridge segment failure, an alternate bridge path will be available to network traffic, without significant interruption to its flow.

The method a bridge uses to forward packets, choose a bridge path, and ensure that a sending station’s messages take only one bridge path depends on the bridge’s type: Transparent or Source Routing. A third type of bridge — a Source Route Transparent (SRT) bridge —has both Source Routing and Transparent bridging capabilities.

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Contents Portable Management Application For TSX-1620 User’s Guide Page Virus Disclaimer Applicable to licenses to the United States Government only Restricted Rights NoticeContents Contents Chapter Using the TSX-1620 Bridge ViewIntroduction to Spma for the TSX-1620 Using the TSX-1620 User’s GuideIntroduction to Spma for the TSX-1620 What’s not in the TSX-1620 User’s GuideScreen Displays ConventionsIntroduction to Spma for the TSX-1620 Button Using the MouseFTP Getting HelpTSX-1620 Firmware Introduction to Spma for the TSX-1620 TSX-1620 Firmware Using the Hub View Using the TSX-1620 Hub ViewNavigating Through the Hub View Using the TSX-1620 Hub ViewTSX-1620 Hub View Hub View Front PanelDevice Name UptimeDevice Location IP AddressPort Status Using the Mouse in the TSX-1620 Hub ViewTSX-1620 Application Displays Interface Application Display Menu Structure Interface Application DisplayBridge Application Display Port Display Form Monitoring Device PerformanceInterface Port Display Form Options Oper StatusSpeed TypeInterface Number StatisticsUsing the TSX-1620 Hub View Port Color Codes for the Interface Application Display Bridge Port Display Form Options AdminTp Frames Forwarded Tp Frames Filtered Clearing Statistical InformationSr Frames Forwarded Bridge Port NumberManaging the Device Setting the Polling IntervalsDevice General Status Contact StatusDevice Configuration Port Operational StateUsing the Bridge Config Utility Defining Community Names Configuring Your TSX-1620’s Serial Port Using the TSX-1620 Hub View 11. The if Configuration Window Performing if ConfigurationPerforming Interface Configuration Changing the Displayed InterfaceViewing NetBios Information Name Viewing and Changing System InformationAddress PortConfiguring Port Security Setting the Device Date, Time, and Daylight Savings ModeViewing Your Port Security Settings Using the TSX-1620 Hub View Configuring Your Port Security Settings 17. The Interface List Window Viewing the Interface ListAccessing Bridge Management Accessing the MIB I, II ToolPerforming Source Routing Configuration for a Port Viewing a Bridge Port’s Source Address List Enabling and Disabling Bridge Ports Enabling/Disabling Bridging for TSX-1620 PortsUsing the TSX-1620 Hub View Using the TSX-1620 Hub View Managing the Device Bridging Basics Using the TSX-1620 Bridge ViewSource Route Bridging Transparent BridgingSource Route Transparent Bridges Accessing the Bridge Traffic View WindowNavigating Through the Bridge Traffic View Click on in the Bridge Traffic View front panel Time and Date Bridge Traffic View Front PanelMAC Address Bridge Port Display MAC Port #Enabled Blocking Detail View Showing Two Ports Using the Detail View WindowBridge Status Window Bridge Statistics Window Bridging Type DelayExceedDiscardTotal Ports IfIndexMtuExceedDiscard Filtering Database WindowViewing the Filtering Database Learned Entry Discards Ageing Time secsSource Address StatusDestination Port Receive PortChanging the Filtering Database Dynamic Ageing Time Changing the Filtering Database Ageing Time Changing Forwarding and Static Database EntriesForward To Ports Static AddressFinding a Filtering Database MAC Address Spanning Tree Protocol WindowDeleting a Static Table Entry 11. Spanning Tree Protocol Window Spanning Tree Version Forward DelayDesignated Root Num. Topology ChgsHello Time Max AgePriority Root PortRoot Max Age Root Forward DelayRoot Hello Time Changing Spanning Tree Parameters Spanning Tree Port Parameters WindowPriority Port Designated Cost Path CostChanging a Port’s STA Parameters Source Routing Configuration WindowDesignated Bridge Designated PortHop Count InterfaceBridge Number Local Segment NumberTarget Segment Number Largest FrameChanging Source Routing Port Parameters STE Span Mode14. Pie Chart Window Creating Bridge Traffic Charts, Graphs and MetersConfiguring Forwarding Thresholds 15. Port Forwarding Thresholds Window Using the TSX-1620 Bridge View Viewing the Forwarding Log To clear all logs or just the current log 17. The Polling Intervals Window Changing Polling IntervalsEnabling and Disabling a Transparent Bridge Port Enabling and Disabling PortsDevice Info Bridge Port Display InfoEnabling and Disabling a Source Routing Bridge Port 18. Port Enable/Disable Source Routing WindowUsing the TSX-1620 Bridge View Index Index-2 Index-3 Index-4 Index-5 Index Index-6

TSX-1620 specifications

The Cabletron Systems TSX-1620 is a pioneering piece of network hardware that played a significant role in the evolution of networking technologies during the 1990s. This well-engineered device is primarily recognized as a multi-port Ethernet switch that was designed to provide high-speed, reliable connectivity for local area networks (LANs). As organizations increasingly demanded robust performance and enhanced network capabilities, the TSX-1620 emerged as a powerful solution to address these needs.

One of the key features of the TSX-1620 is its support for both 10Base-T and 100Base-T standards, catering to both standard Ethernet and Fast Ethernet connections. This versatility allowed businesses to easily transition from older Ethernet systems to newer, faster specifications without replacing their entire infrastructure. The switch could intelligently manage traffic between devices, minimizing collisions and ensuring that data packets were transmitted efficiently.

The architecture of the TSX-1620 includes support for various advanced technologies that enhance network performance. Its store-and-forward switching capability improves data integrity by checking packets for errors before forwarding them to their destination. This process reduces the risk of corrupted data affecting network performance, making it especially valuable for mission-critical applications.

Another notable feature is its robust security tools. The TSX-1620 incorporates VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, enabling network administrators to segment traffic and improve security across different departments or user groups. This not only mitigates the risk associated with unauthorized access but also optimizes network traffic by confining broadcasts to designated VLANs.

Scalability is a prominent characteristic of the TSX-1620. With ports available for expansion, organizations could easily increase their network capacity as their needs grew. This feature promoted long-term investment in network infrastructure, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to changing demands without incurring substantial costs.

Reliability is paramount in networking equipment, and the TSX-1620 does not disappoint. Engineered with high-quality components, this switch was built to operate efficiently in a variety of environments while maintaining stable performance. Its design ensures a cooling mechanism that minimizes overheating, thereby prolonging its operational lifespan.

In summary, the Cabletron Systems TSX-1620 represents a significant advancement in network switch technology during its era. Its combination of speed, versatility, security features, and robust architecture made it a valuable asset for organizations seeking to enhance their networking capabilities and prepare for the future.
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