Chapter 1

Introduction

Welcome to the AT-8700XL Series Advanced Fast Ethernet Switch, combining wire speed Layer 2 and Layer 3 switching with Quality of Service (QoS) features such as traffic classifiers and bandwidth limiting.

This guide introduces the AT-8700XL Series Switch and will guide you through the most common uses and applications of your new switch. Getting started will not take long—many applications are set up in just a few minutes. If you have any questions about the switch, contact your authorised distributor or reseller.

Your AT-8700XL Series Switch is supplied with default settings which allow you to operate the switch immediately, without any configuration. Even if this is all you want to do, you should still gain access to the switch configuration, if only to change the manager password to prevent unauthorised access.

To take advantage of the advanced routing features, you will need to enter detailed configuration. The switch has both a Command Line Interface (CLI) and a Graphical User Interface (GUI) for configuration and management. Before you can use the GUI, you will need to login to the switch and use its CLI to allocate an IP address to at least one interface.

Why Read this User Guide?

Before you use your switch in a live network, please read this guide. The guide tells you how to access and use the Command Line Interface (CLI) to configure the switch software, and how to access and use the switch’s Graphical User Interface (GUI). It then introduces a number of common switch functions and how to configure them using the CLI. For information on configuration using the GUI, see the context-sensitive online GUI help. For more detailed descriptions of all commands, display outputs, and background information, see the AT-8700XL Series Software Reference.

This user guide is organised into the following chapters:

Chapter 1, Introduction gives an overview of the switch features and of the documentation supplied with your switch.

Chapter 2, Getting Started with the Command Line Interface (CLI) describes how to gain access to the command line interface.

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Allied Telesis at-8700xl series switch manual Why Read this User Guide?, Chapter

at-8700xl series switch specifications

Allied Telesis AT-8700XL Series Switches are sophisticated networking devices designed to meet the demanding requirements of modern enterprise environments. These managed Ethernet switches are optimized for reliability, performance, and scalability, making them ideal for various applications, from small businesses to large-scale networks.

One of the standout features of the AT-8700XL series is its robust Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities. This versatility allows the switches to perform both basic switching and advanced routing functions, facilitating efficient data traffic management. The series supports a wide range of standard protocols, including VLANs, STP, and RSTP, ensuring smooth and flexible network segmentation.

Another critical characteristic is the series' high-speed connectivity options. With multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, the AT-8700XL series can handle significant data loads, ensuring seamless communication between connected devices. Furthermore, some models within the series offer 10 Gigabit uplink ports, providing the necessary bandwidth to connect to core networks or high-speed servers.

The AT-8700XL series incorporates advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features that enable network administrators to prioritize traffic effectively. This is particularly crucial for applications sensitive to latency, such as VoIP and video conferencing. By ensuring that time-sensitive data packets are transmitted promptly, the switches help maintain optimal performance across the entire network.

Power over Ethernet (PoE) support is yet another advantage of the AT-8700XL series. This feature allows the switches to deliver power to connected devices, such as IP cameras and wireless access points, via the Ethernet cable. This capability simplifies installations by reducing the need for additional power sources, ultimately saving on costs and improving efficiency.

Security is paramount in any network, and the AT-8700XL series does not disappoint. The switches employ robust security protocols, including Access Control Lists (ACLs), MAC address filtering, and DHCP snooping, to protect against unauthorized access and ensure network integrity.

In summary, Allied Telesis AT-8700XL Series Switches offer a comprehensive solution for various networking needs. With their Layer 2 and Layer 3 capabilities, high-speed connectivity, QoS features, PoE support, and security measures, these switches are well-equipped to enhance network efficiency and reliability, making them an excellent choice for organizations looking to future-proof their infrastructure. The AT-8700XL series exemplifies Allied Telesis's commitment to delivering high-quality networking solutions that cater to the evolving demands of businesses today.