Allied Telesis Switch Configuration and Firewall Setup Guide

110 AT-8800 Series Switch User Guide

Backup switch

If your network has many switches, you may wish to keep a backup switch ready to replace any switch that malfunctions. When you upgrade the software release or patch on the other switches in the network, upgrade the backup too. Store on it one current config script for each switch in your network, so that when it is needed, you need only set the configuration file with which it boots to match the switch it replaces.

Configure logging

The logging facility stores log messages for events with a specified severity in a log file. You can change the size of the log file, and the kind of messages recorded. You can configure the switch to output log messages in several ways, including to a remote switch with a specified IP address, or as an email to a particular email address. The switch can also receive log messages from another switch. Set the Logging Facility to log and forward the log messages you need to monitor your network (see the Logging Facility chapter in the AT- 8800 Series Switch Software Reference). Inspect the log file from time to time, and if difficulties arise.

Configure Firewall

The firewall facility is enabled with a special feature license. To obtain a special feature license contact an Allied Telesyn authorised distributor or reseller.

Use the Firewall to protect your network from several kinds of unwanted traffic or deliberate attacks (see the Firewall chapter in the AT-8800 Series Switch Software Reference. A special feature licence is required.

FLASH compaction

If the FLASH memory gets filled beyond a certain level, it will automatically activate FLASH compaction to recover any space that is made available from deleted files. You can also activate FLASH compaction manually if required.

While FLASH is compacting, do not restart the switch or use any commands that affect the FLASH file subsystem. Do not restart the switch, or create, edit, load, rename or delete any files until a message confirms that FLASH file compaction is completed. Interrupting flash compaction may result in damage to files. Damaged files are likely to prevent the switch from operating correctly.

Watch for software updates

From time to time patches may be released to improve the function of your switch software, and new software releases make new features available. Watch for patches and new software releases on the support site at http://www.alliedtelesyn.co.nz/support/ar400.

Software Release 2.6.1 C613-02039-00 REV A