Cabletron Systems CSX400, CSX200 manual About Source Route-Transparent Bridges

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Bridging

About Source Route-Transparent Bridges

Because network topologies have developed in which bridges must be able to handle network trafÞc from end stations which support source routing and others which do not, a hybrid type of bridgeÑSource Route-Transparent (SRT)Ñcombines elements of both bridging methods.

An end stationÕs network drivers can be conÞgured in software to use a bit setting in the source address portion of a data frame to indicate whether the station is to operate in a Source Route or Transparently bridged network environment. The Routing Information Indicator (RII) bit of the source address is set to 1 if the station is to use Source Routing; if the station is to operate in a Transparently bridged environment, the RII bit is left unchanged (i.e., at 0).

Not all end stations in a Token Ring environment have network drivers which support Source RoutingÑwhether the drivers are improperly conÞgured via management or they simply are not source-route capable.

In a network with a mix of Source Route and Transparent end stations, data frames from both station types must be bridged correctly. An SRT bridge inspects the RII bit setting of incoming frames to determine whether they should be Transparently bridged (if the RII bit was at 0) or Source Routed (if the RII bit was set to 1) to their destination and will use the appropriate bridge method to forward the frame.

NOTE

Cabletron has extended the functionality of Ethernet ports on translational bridges, so the ports can be set to Source Route mode.

When an Ethernet port is in Source Route mode, on receipt of an SR packet from a Token Ring port, it will save the Source Routing information and send out the packet transparently. When the response comes back, the source routing information will be restored and sent to the Token Ring port.

About Source Route-Translational Bridges

Because SmartSwitch 2000, 6000 and 9000 modules have the ability to combine mixed network topologies, yet another hybrid bridge methodÑcalled a Source Route Translational bridge (SR-TB)Ñis used by a number of these SmartSwitch modules.

An SR-TB bridge supports both Source Routing and Transparent bridging capabilities, with the added requirement of maintaining Source Route information across an FDDI interfaceÑeither the SmartSwitch 9000 FNB backplane, or an installed FDDI High Speed Interface Module (HSIM).

An SR-TB bridge does this by ÒtranslatingÓ the Token Ring physical frame format (by stripping out routing information, if necessary) so that the frameÕs source address can be recognized on an FDDI, Ethernet, or ATM segment; and then, when data is returned to the source, restoring the necessary route information to forward it along a bridged Token Ring environment.

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Bridging Basics

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Contents CSX200 and CSX400 User’s Guide Page Virus Disclaimer Page Restricted Rights Notice Page Contents Chapter Bridging Vii Index Token Ring Physical Status FieldsIntroduction Using the CSX 200 and CSX400 User’s Guide HSIM-W6 and HSIM-W84Related Manuals Device Name Software ConventionsCommon Window Fields Location Using the MouseIP Address MAC AddressUsing Window Buttons Getting Help from the Cabletron Systems Global Call Center Using On-line HelpGetting Help CSX200 and CSX400 Firmware CSX200 and 400 Chassis View Viewing Chassis Information CSX200 and CSX400 Chassis View WindowsFront Panel Information Date Menu StructureTime Device Menu Port Status MenuPort Menus Utilities MenuHelp Menu Status CSX200/400 Port Status DisplaysSelecting a Port Status View Load Chassis Manager Window Port Status Color CodesViewing Hardware Types Device TypeManaging the Device Viewing the Port DescriptionUsing the Find Source Address Feature Viewing I/F Summary InformationIndex DescriptionInterface Performance Statistics/Bar Graphs Physical StatusLogical Status Raw CountsRate Viewing Interface Detail Detail Interface StatisticsUnicast ErrorAddress Non-UnicastMaking Sense of Detail Statistics Enabling and Disabling PortsPackets Transmitted Transmit only CSX200 and 400 Chassis View CSX200 and 400 Chassis View Managing the Device CSX200 and CSX400 WAN Configuration About the CSX200 SeriesAbout the CSX400 WAN RedundancyCSX WPIMs WPIM-DDSEIA-RS449 WAN Logical View WAN Logical View WindowChanging WAN Logical Settings WAN Logical View Window FieldsCSX200 and CSX400 WAN Configuration CSX200 and CSX400 WAN Configuration WAN Logical View Bridging Bridging BasicsAbout Transparent Bridging About Source Route BridgingBridging About Source Route-Transparent Bridges About Source Route-Translational BridgesBridging Viewing and Managing Bridging Interfaces Bridging Bridge Status Window Bridge Status Window Information FieldsUp Time Bridge State on InterfaceBridge Address Accessing Other Options from the Bridge Status WindowInterface Type Bridging Bridging Bridging From the Bridge Status window Enabling and Disabling BridgingEnabling and Disabling Individual Interfaces Performance Graphs Enabling and Disabling All Installed InterfacesBridge Statistics From the Chassis View windowFrom the Bridge Status window Filtered Magenta Bridge Performance Graph Window FieldsFrames Forwarded Green Configuring the Bridge Performance Graphs Errors RedXmitted Blue Bridge Detail Breakdown WindowFrames Forwarded FilteredForwarded to XmittedBridge Port Detail Breakdown Window Forwarded fromInterface Statistics Window I/F Statistics WindowStatistics Window Fields Packets Received Csmacd Statistics WindowUnknown Protocol Transmit Queue SizeReceive Errors AlignmentTransmission Errors Collision Errors PPP Link Statistics WindowBad Controls ErrorsBad Addresses Packets Too LongStatistics Dot5 Errors Statistics Window Line Errors Burst ErrorsToken Errors Internal ErrorsCongestion Errors Soft ErrorsSource Route Statistics Specif. Routed Bridge Source Routing Window FieldsReceived Frames All Paths ExplTransmitted Frames DiscardsBridge Spanning Tree Hop Cnt. ExceededBridge Priority Configuring the Bridge Spanning Tree WindowBridge Level Fields Root Port Root BridgeRoot Cost Bridge Port Level Fields Designated Root Path CostDesignated Cost Designated BridgeChanging the Spanning Tree Algorithm Protocol Type Changing Bridge Spanning Tree ParametersChanging Bridge Priority Changing Max Age Time Changing Forwarding Delay TimeChanging Hello Time Changing Path Cost Filtering DatabaseChanging Port Priority Bridging From the Bridge Status window Number Filtering Database Window FieldsList CapacitySource Port Configuring the Filtering DatabaseAging Time Receive PortAltering the Aging Time Changing the Type of EntryAdding or Deleting Individual Entries Changing the Receive PortChanging the Port Filtering Action Ethernet and Token Ring Special Filter Databases Clearing All Permanent, Static, or Dynamic EntriesEthernet Special Filter Database Window Token Ring Special Filter Database Window 13. Ethernet Special Filter Database WindowFile EnableSpecial Filter Database Window Fields Destination AddressDefining and Editing Filters in the Special Database This Changing the Port Filtering Action Setting the Port Filtering ActionChanging the Receive Ports Clearing the Port Filtering Action Enabling and Disabling a FilterSaving a Set of Filters to a File Source Route Configuration Information on Source Routing 16. Source Route ConÞguration WindowSource Route Configuration Window Source Route Configuration FieldsTarget Segment Subnet MaskLocal Segment Hop Count LimitSpanning Tree Expl Bridge NumberSpanning Tree Mode Using the Find Source Address Feature Making and Setting ChangesPort Source Addresses Window Setting the Aging Time Duplex Modes Interface Duplex Modes WindowDuplex Modes Window Fields Setting the Duplex Mode Full DuplexStandard Mode Ethernet Port Configuration WindowFast Ethernet Port Configuration Link State Current Operational ModePort Type Remote Capabilities Desired Operational ModeAdvertised Abilities Setting the Desired Operational Mode for the FE-100TX Setting the Desired Operational Mode for the FE-100FXSonet Port Configuration SONET/SDH ConfigurationSonet SONET/SDH Statistics Window Bridging 24. The SONET/SDH Statistics Window Loss of Signal Loss of PointerErrored Seconds Loss of FrameCode Violations Severely Errored SecondsSeverely Errored Framing Seconds Configuring Broadcast Suppression Token Ring Bridge Mode Transparent Setting The Token Ring Bridge ModeDefining the Bridge Modes Source RoutingEthernet Port Physical Status Fields Using the Physical View WindowsEtwmim Ethernet Port Physical View Active PortEtwmim Token Ring Port Physical View Epim TypeRing State Token Ring Physical Status FieldsRing Speed FNB State Active MonitorUsing the Interface Configuration Window Defining the Bridge Method 29. Interface ConÞguration WindowDefining the Protocol Transmission Setting the Bridge MethodNetBIOS OtherUsing the Bridge and Port Configuration Windows From the Bridge Status window Virtual Ring Number Ring NumberBridge Mode/Explorer Type Port ModeNovell Translation Configuring SmartTrunking Port NameInstance ModeSmartTrunk State # SmartTrunksBridging Bridging 100 Configuring SmartTrunking Index Index-2 Index-3 Index-4
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CSX200, CSX400 specifications

Cabletron Systems was a leading developer of networking solutions, and its CSX400 and CSX200 series of high-performance switches represent some of the key innovations in the field of enterprise networking during their time. Both models were geared towards enhancing network reliability, efficiency, and speed, particularly in environments where heavy data traffic and complex networking demands were prevalent.

The CSX400, designed for larger enterprises, boasts a robust architecture capable of handling significant throughput. One of its standout features is its stackable design, allowing multiple switches to be interconnected and managed seamlessly as a single unit. This scalability provides organizations with the flexibility to expand their networks without significant infrastructure overhauls. The CSX400 supports various Ethernet standards, including 10/100 Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, positioning it to effectively manage both legacy and modern networking requirements.

In addition to its scalability, the CSX400 is distinguished by its advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing capabilities. This dual-layer functionality enables efficient data handling and is instrumental in managing traffic between different network segments. Moreover, the switch incorporates features like VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support and Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization, allowing for enhanced performance of critical applications and streamlined bandwidth allocation.

On the other hand, the CSX200 series is tailored for smaller enterprises or branch offices needing a reliable yet efficient networking solution. Despite its compact design, the CSX200 is equipped with essential features that promote effective network management and security. It offers a simplified management interface, making it user-friendly for network administrators. The switch also provides essential access control measures, employing technologies like IEEE 802.1X for network access security.

Both the CSX400 and CSX200 prioritize performance through the incorporation of advanced switching technologies. They support features such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), enabling loop-free topologies and enhanced network resilience. These attributes are particularly crucial in dynamic networking environments where downtime can have significant repercussions on business operations.

Overall, Cabletron Systems' CSX400 and CSX200 series represent a blend of scalability, advanced routing capabilities, and user-friendly management, making them vital assets for organizations looking to optimize their network infrastructure during a period of rapid technological evolution. With their rich feature sets and unwavering performance, these switches helped pave the way for modern networking solutions that cater to diverse enterprise needs.