Cabletron Systems NB30 manual NB-30 Bridging, Bridging Basics

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Chapter 3

NB-30 Bridging

Bridge management overview; viewing and managing bridging interfaces; using the Bridge Status window; viewing bridge statistics; using Spanning Tree; using the Filtering Database; Restoring bridge defaults; Resetting bridge defaults; Restarting the bridge.

Bridging Basics

Bridges are used in local area networks to connect two or more network segments and to control the ßow 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 trafÞc, without signiÞcant interruption to its ßow.

The method a bridge uses to forward packets, choose a bridge path, and ensure that a sending stationÕs messages take only one bridge path depends on the bridgeÕs type: Transparent (generally used in Ethernet or FDDI environments) or Source Routing (generally used in Token Ring environments), Source Route-Transparent, or Source Route-TranslationalÑthe two latter being combinations that are found in a mixed network environment. Because the NB-30 is a transparent bridge, this chapter describes viewing and conÞguration options related to Transparent bridging.

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Contents NB30 User’s Guide Page Virus Disclaimer Page Restricted Rights Notice Page Contents Index ContentsIntroduction Using the NB-30 Bridge User’s GuideIntroduction Related ManualsSoftware Conventions Using the MouseDevice Description Common NB-30 Bridge Window FieldsUsing Window Buttons Using On-line Help Accessing On-line DocumentationGetting Help Getting Help from the Cabletron Systems Global Call Center NB-30 Bridge FirmwareIntroduction NB-30 Bridge Firmware NB-30 Bridge Chassis View Viewing Chassis Information Front Panel Information Date Menu StructureBoard Menu Device MenuUtilities Menu Help MenuChassis Manager NB-30 Bridge Port Status DisplayViewing Hardware Types Managing the BridgeEdit Date Window Setting the Device Date and TimeEnabling and Disabling Bridging NB-30 Bridge Chassis View Managing the Bridge Bridging Basics NB-30 BridgingViewing and Managing Bridging Interfaces About Transparent BridgingBridge Status Bridge Location Bridge Status ConditionOK/SQE on Bridge State on InterfaceBridge Status on Remote Port Interface Segment Name Interface NameInterface Type Bridge Port Address Local Ethernet PortEnabling and Disabling Bridging Accessing Bridge Status Window OptionsPerformance Graphs Bridge StatisticsFrames Forwarded Frames ReceivedFrames Filtered Forwarded Outbound Device ErrorsNothing Discarded Inbound Ethernet Port OnlyOut of Window Coll. Ethernet Port Only CRC ErrorsTimeout Remote Port Only Total ErrorsBridge Summary Statistics Window Bridge Summary StatisticsEthernet and Remote Port Statistics Remote Port Statistics Window Packets Filtered Blue Ethernet Port Only Xmit Aborts Ethernet Port OnlyOOW Ethernet Port Only Giants TimeoutBridge Spanning Tree FramingBridge Spanning Tree Window Bridge Level Parameters Max Age Forwarding DelayProtocol Hello TimeBridge Port Level Parameters Changing the Spanning Tree Algorithm Protocol Type Configuring Spanning TreeTopology Changing Bridge PriorityChanging Forwarding Delay Time Changing Hello TimeChanging Max Age Time Filtering Database Changing Port PriorityChanging Path Cost NB-30 Bridging Ageing Time TypeNumber CapacityPort Filtering Configuring the Filtering DatabaseList AddressChanging the Type of Entry Changing the Port Filtering ActionAdding or Deleting Individual Filtering Database Entries Erasing Entries from the Permanent or Acquired Databases DSX-1 SummaryBridge DSX-1 Summary Window Configuring, Running, and Checking the Loopback TestViewing the T1 Link Channel Status Restoring Bridge DefaultsRestarting the Bridge Resetting Bridge CountersSelect Restore Defaults Select Reset CountersNB-30 Bridging Restarting the Bridge NB-30 Bridging Restarting the Bridge Index Index-2 Index-3 Index Index-4

NB30 specifications

Cabletron Systems NB30 is a noteworthy networking device that emerged in the mid-1990s as a critical component for businesses looking to enhance their local area network (LAN) capabilities. Designed primarily for the burgeoning demand of network speed and reliability, the NB30 served as a bridge in networking technology, offering organizations a robust solution to keep up with the advancing digital landscape.

One of the main features of the Cabletron NB30 is its ability to support both Ethernet and Token Ring protocols. This dual compatibility made it an attractive choice for enterprises that were transitioning from older networking systems to newer infrastructures. By accommodating both technologies, the NB30 enabled smoother migrations without necessitating a complete overhaul of existing networking components.

Another significant characteristic of the NB30 is its modular architecture. This design allowed organizations to customize their networking setup according to specific needs and preferences. Users could add or replace modules to enhance functionality, from extra ports to support additional devices or advanced features like network management tools, ensuring that their systems could grow and evolve in tandem with their business requirements.

The NB30 also utilized a stackable design, which facilitated scalability. Organizations could easily connect multiple NB30 units to increase their network capacity and performance. This stacking capability was a significant advantage as it allowed for efficient use of space and resources while providing a path for future growth.

In terms of performance, the Cabletron NB30 boasted a switching capacity that enabled quick data transfer rates, reducing latency and improving overall network responsiveness. This speed was crucial during a period when businesses were increasingly reliant on real-time data exchange and communication.

Additionally, the NB30 incorporated advanced network management features, enabling administrators to monitor traffic, diagnose issues, and implement changes with ease. This level of control was essential for maintaining network health, ensuring that businesses remained operational without unnecessary downtimes.

Overall, Cabletron Systems NB30 played a pivotal role in the evolution of networking technology. Its combination of protocol flexibility, modular design, scalability, and robust performance made it a popular choice for businesses looking to create efficient, dependable networks in an era of rapid technological advancement. The NB30's legacy continues to influence modern networking solutions, demonstrating the importance of adaptability and performance in the ever-changing digital world.
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