Cabletron Systems 9H42X-XX manual Bridging Basics

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Chapter 5

Bridging

Bridge management overview; the Bridge Status window; bridge Performance Graphs; changing bridge Spanning Tree parameters; configuring the Filtering Database; setting duplex modes; using the port Source Addressing window

Bridging Basics

When configured to operate as a traditional switch, your 9H42x-xx Fast Ethernet SmartSwitch modules have the ability to act as 802.1d Transparent Bridges to direct traffic between the network segments connected to their front panel and the interface to the INB backplane.

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. 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 (generally used in Ethernet or FDDI environments) or Source Routing (generally used in Token Ring environments).

Transparent bridging relies on a “Filtering Database” to make forwarding decisions. The source addresses of data coming into each bridge interface are read and stored in a Filtering Database that associates each address with the interface it was detected on. When a packet is received by the bridge, it can then compare the destination address of the packet to the addresses in the Filtering Database, and determine which bridge interface to send the packet to.

In Source Route bridging, the source node sends “explorer” packets to a destination node that pass through a bridged network. Each bridge that sees the explorer packet will append Routing Information (in the form of LAN segment numbers) to it. When the destination node receives these explorer packets, it will

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Contents Cabletron Systems Virus Disclaimer Page Restricted Rights Notice Page Contents Chapter Statistics Chapter BridgingIndex Contents Viii Introduction Introduction Using the 9H42x-xx User’s Guide Software Conventions Related ManualsCommon 9H42x-xx Window Fields Location Device NameIP Address MAC AddressUsing On-line Help Using ButtonsGetting Help 9H42x-xx Firmware Getting Help from Cabletron Systems’ Global Call CenterIntroduction 9H42x-xx Firmware 9H42x-xx Module View From an individual device iconViewing Module Information From the MMAC-Plus Chassis ViewUp Time Front Panel InformationConnection Status Port StatusFirmware Boot PromMenu Structure TimeH42x-xx Module View Menu Structure Device MenuPort Status Menu Utilities MenuHelp Menu Bridge MenuPort Status Displays Port MenuSelecting a Port Status View StatusLoad ErrorsMapping Type Chassis Manager WindowSpeed Port Status Color CodesViewing the Device Type Chassis Manager Window To view the Chassis Manager windowUpTime Viewing I/F Summary InformationIndex Interface Performance Statistics/Bar Graphs DescriptionSta Raw CountsRate Viewing Interface Detail AddressNon-Unicast ErrorUnicast DiscardedPackets Transmitted Transmit only Using the Find Source Address FeatureMaking Sense of Detail Statistics Managing the Module Configuring PortsConfiguring Standard Ethernet Ports Standard ModeFull Duplex Configuring Fast Ethernet Ports Fast Ethernet ConfigurationPort Type Current Operational ModeDesired Operational Mode Link StateAdvertised Abilities Remote CapabilitiesSetting the Desired Operational Mode Setting the Device Date and Time 10. Edit Time WindowEnabling and Disabling Ports 11. Edit Date WindowTo enable or disable bridging for an individual interface 9H42x-xx Module View Managing the Module Alarm Configuration About Rmon Alarms and EventsBasic Alarm Configuration Alarm ConfigurationAccessing the Basic Alarm Configuration Window Rmon Basic Alarm Configuration WindowPort Number Viewing Alarm StatusKilobits Total Errors Broadcasts/Multicasts If NumberRising Threshold Log/TrapPolling Interval Rising ActionCreating and Editing a Basic Alarm Alarm Configuration Alarm Configuration Disabling a Basic Alarm Viewing the Basic Alarm LogAlarm Configuration Advanced Alarm Configuration Accessing the Rmon Advanced Alarm/Event ListAlarm Configuration Such as the Hosts component, not present, or Creating and Editing an Advanced Alarm Rmon Create/Edit Alarms WindowAlarm Configuration Alarm Configuration Alarm Configuration Table index.lengthin bytes.instancein decimal format Alarm Configuration Creating and Editing an Event Rmon Create/Edit Events Window Alarm Configuration Adding Actions to an Event Rmon Create/Edit Actions Window Or deleted use the button to update the table at any time Deleting an Alarm, Event, or Action Viewing an Advanced Alarm Event LogHow Rising and Falling Thresholds Work Event Accessing the Statistics Windows StatisticsTot. Errors Rmon StatisticsPackets ProblemsBytes Drop EventsFrame Size Bytes Packets Viewing Total, Delta, and Accumulated Statistics Interface Statistics Printing StatisticsInterface Statistics Window Unicast Bridging Bridging BasicsAn Overview of Bridge Management More on Transparent BridgingBridge Status Window Spanning Tree State Bridge Address Interface TypeInterface Speed Enabling and Disabling Individual Interfaces Enabling and Disabling All Installed InterfacesEnabling and Disabling Bridging From the Bridge Status windowBridge Statistics Performance GraphsForwarded Green Xmitted Blue Total Errors RedFiltered Magenta Configuring the Bridge Performance GraphsUsing Source Addressing Altering the Ageing TimeBridge Spanning Tree Viewing Spanning Tree Parameters Bridge Spanning Tree WindowRoot Bridge Bridge-level ParametersBridge Priority Root CostHello Time Forwarding DelayProtocol Max AgePort-specific Parameters Topology Changing Bridge Spanning Tree ParametersDesignated Port Changing Bridge PriorityChanging Hello Time Changing the Spanning Tree Algorithm Protocol TypeChanging Max Age Time Changing Port Priority Changing Forwarding Delay TimeChanging Path Cost Filtering Database Dynamic, or LearnedFiltering Database Window Capacity ListNumber Ageing TimeReceive Port Configuring the Filtering DatabaseSource Port Port FilteringChanging the Type of Entry Changing the Receive PortChanging the Port Filtering Action Adding or Deleting Individual EntriesConfiguring Duplex Modes Clearing All Permanent, Static, or Dynamic EntriesTo access the Duplex Modes window Bridging Bridging Configuring Duplex Modes Index NumericsIndex-2 Index-3 Index Index-4

9H42X-XX specifications

Cabletron Systems 9H42X-XX is an advanced networking device recognized for its robust performance and reliability in various enterprise environments. Designed to meet the growing demands of data communication, this model serves as a vital component of network infrastructure, offering a myriad of features and technologies.

One of the standout characteristics of the 9H42X-XX is its high-speed data processing capabilities. Equipped with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, it ensures rapid data transfer rates, making it ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications. This model supports both IPv4 and IPv6 addressing, ensuring compatibility with modern networking standards and future-proofing the investment for organizations transitioning to newer technologies.

The 9H42X-XX excels in flexibility and scalability, accommodating a range of networking topologies. Its modular design allows for the addition of different interface cards, catering to specific networking requirements such as VoIP, video streaming, and cloud services. This adaptiveness is crucial for organizations that must optimize their network as needs evolve over time.

Security is a primary consideration in the design of the 9H42X-XX. With built-in firewall capabilities and support for advanced encryption protocols, data integrity and confidentiality are ensured. Furthermore, the device offers robust access control features, allowing organizations to define user permissions and protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Another important feature is the comprehensive management options available with the 9H42X-XX. It provides a user-friendly interface for network administrators to monitor traffic, configure settings, and troubleshoot issues. This ease of management contributes to reduced downtimes and better overall network efficiency.

Additionally, the Cabletron Systems 9H42X-XX is known for its durability and performance consistency in varying environmental conditions. This resilience makes it suitable for both indoor and outdoor deployments, further extending its usability across different types of organizations.

In summary, the Cabletron Systems 9H42X-XX is a versatile networking solution that combines high-speed connectivity, security features, and ease of management within its robust architecture. Its adaptability and technical specifications position it as a reliable choice for enterprises looking to upgrade their network infrastructure and accommodate future growth.
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