Chapter 3: Basic Switch Parameters

Setting the System Date and Time

This procedure explains how to set the switch’s date and time. Setting the date and time is important if you plan to view the events in the switch’s event log or send the events to a syslog server. The correct date and time are also important if the management software sends traps to a management workstation or if you plan to create a self-signed SSL certificate. Events, traps, and self-signed certificates should contain the date and time of when they occurred or, in the case of certificates, when they were created.

There are two ways to set the switch’s date and time. One method is to set it manually. This method is not recommended because the date and time are lost if you reboot the switch.

The second method uses the Simple Network Time Protocol (SNTP). The AlliedWare Plus Management Software comes with the client version of this protocol. You can configure the AlliedWare Plus software to obtain the current date and time from an SNTP or Network Time Protocol (NTP) server located on your network or the Internet.

SNTP is a reduced version of the NTP. However, the SNTP client software in the AlliedWare Plus Management Software is interoperable with NTP servers.

Note

In order for the management software on the switch to communicate with an SNTP or NTP server, there must be an interface on the local subnet from where the switch is reaching the server. The switch uses the IP address of the interface as its source address when sending packets to the server.

Note

The default system time on the switch is midnight, January 1, 2000.

Choose from the following procedures:

“Setting System Time Manually” on page 33

“Setting An SNTP or NTP Server” on page 35

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Allied Telesis AT-9000/28SP, AT-9000/52 manual Setting the System Date and Time

AT-9000/52, AT-9000/28SP, AT-9000/28 specifications

The Allied Telesis AT-9000/28 is a versatile and robust network switch designed for organizations seeking to enhance their networking capability. This Layer 2 managed switch delivers a high degree of performance and reliability, making it an ideal choice for businesses that require a seamless network experience.

One of the main features of the AT-9000/28 is its 28 ports, which include 24 Fast Ethernet ports and 4 Gigabit Ethernet uplink ports. This allows for flexible network configuration and scalability, accommodating both wired and wireless devices efficiently. The switch also supports auto-negotiation and auto-MDI/MDI-X, which simplifies installation and connectivity by automatically detecting and configuring the appropriate settings.

The AT-9000/28 employs advanced switching technologies, such as IEEE 802.1Q VLAN tagging, which enables the segregation of traffic for improved security and performance. This feature is crucial for businesses that require data isolation between different departments or user groups. In addition, the switch supports quality of service (QoS) protocols, allowing for traffic prioritization. This is particularly beneficial for organizations that handle multimedia applications or VoIP services that demand reliable bandwidth.

Another significant characteristic of the AT-9000/28 is its support for port mirroring. This capability is essential for network monitoring and troubleshooting, as it allows administrators to track and analyze network traffic efficiently. Furthermore, the switch supports multiple user authentication methods, including RADIUS and TACACS+, thus enhancing network security.

The AT-9000/28 is built with energy efficiency in mind, featuring Energy Efficient Ethernet (EEE) technology. This reduces power consumption during periods of low traffic without compromising performance, which aids in lowering overall operational costs.

In terms of management, the AT-9000/28 offers versatile management options, including a web-based GUI, Command Line Interface (CLI), and SNMP support. This flexibility enables network administrators to configure, monitor, and troubleshoot the switch easily.

Overall, the Allied Telesis AT-9000/28 is a reliable switch well-suited for a variety of network environments. Its combination of performance, security features, and energy efficiency makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to optimize their network infrastructure. With robust capabilities and advanced technologies, the AT-9000/28 stands out as a valuable addition to any networking setup.