Chapter 11 Avaya P330 Layer 2 Features

IP Multicast Filtering

Overview

IP Multicast is a method of sending a single copy of an IP packet to multiple destinations. It can be used by different applications including video streaming and video conferencing.

The Multicast packet is forwarded from the sender to the recipients, duplicated only when needed by routers along the way and sent in multiple directions such that it reaches all the members of the Multicast group. Multicast addresses are a special kind of IP addresses (class D), each identifying a multicast group. Stations join and leave multicast groups using IGMP. This is a control-plane protocol through which IP hosts register with their router to receive packets for certain multicast addresses. IP multicast packets are transmitted on LANs in MAC multicast frames. Traditional LAN switches flood these multicast packets like broadcast packets to all stations in the VLAN. In order to avoid sending multicast packets where they are not required, multicast filtering functions may be added to the layer 2 switches, as described in IEEE standard 802.1D. Layer 2 switches capable of multicast filtering send the multicast packets only to ports connecting members of that multicast group. This is typically based on IGMP snooping.

The Avaya P330 supports multicast filtering. The P330 learns which switch ports need to receive which multicast packets and configures the necessary information into the switch's hardware tables. This learning is based on IGMP (version 1 or 2) snooping.

The multicast filtering function in the P330 is transparent to the IP hosts and routers. It does not affect the forwarding behavior apart from filtering multicast packets from certain ports where they are not needed. To the ports that do get the multicast, forwarding is performed in the same way as if there was no filtering, and the multicast packet will not be sent to any ports that would not receive it if there was no filtering.

The multicast filtering function operates per VLAN. A multicast packet arriving at the device on a certain VLAN will be forwarded only to a subset of the ports of that VLAN. If VLAN tagging mode is used on the output port, then the multicast packet will be tagged with the same VLAN number with which it arrived. This is interoperable with multicast routers that expect Layer 2 switching to be done independently for each VLAN.

IP Multicast Filtering configuration is associated with the setting up of three timers:

•The Router Port Pruning timer ages out Router port information if IGMP queries are not received within the configured time.

•The Client Port Pruning time is the time after the P330 switch reset that the filtering information is learned by the switch but not configured on the ports.

•The Group Filtering Delay time is the time that the switch waits between becoming aware of a Multicast group on a certain VLAN and starting to filter traffic for this group.

Avaya P333R-LB User’s Guide

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Avaya P333R-LB manual IP Multicast Filtering, Overview
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P333R-LB specifications

The Avaya P333R-LB is a robust and versatile switch that is part of Avaya's portfolio aimed at enterprise networking solutions. This switch is designed to enhance the performance and scalability of network infrastructure while ensuring high availability and reliability.

One of the main features of the P333R-LB is its Layer 3 switching capability, which allows for efficient routing within an organization's network. This capability is particularly beneficial for organizations with multiple VLANs, as it simplifies the routing process and ensures that data packets are transmitted in the most efficient manner possible.

The P333R-LB is equipped with advanced Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize traffic based on the type of application being used. This ensures that critical applications, such as VoIP and video conferencing, receive the necessary bandwidth and low latency required for optimal performance. Additionally, it supports both IPv4 and IPv6 protocols, making it adaptable to a variety of networking environments.

Another important feature of the Avaya P333R-LB is its stackable design. This allows multiple switches to be interconnected, creating a single logical unit. This stacking capability not only simplifies management but also increases overall network capacity and redundancy. In case of a hardware failure, the stack can continue operating without interruption, maintaining network integrity and service continuity.

The switch also integrates advanced security features, including support for MAC filtering, access control lists, and port security. These features help to safeguard network resources from unauthorized access and potential threats. Moreover, the P333R-LB supports 802.1X port-based authentication, which adds an additional layer of security during user access to the network.

The Avaya P333R-LB comes with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for high-speed connectivity to devices such as servers, workstations, and IP phones. This ensures that all devices on the network can communicate effectively, supporting the demands of modern enterprise environments.

For management and monitoring, the P333R-LB offers a user-friendly web interface along with SNMP support, enabling network administrators to easily configure settings and monitor network performance. This simplicity in management is crucial for IT teams that need to ensure optimal network performance while minimizing downtime.

In summary, the Avaya P333R-LB is a feature-rich, scalable, and reliable switch that meets the needs of demanding enterprise networks. With its advanced technologies, QoS support, stackable design, robust security features, and high-speed connectivity options, the P333R-LB is positioned to support a wide range of applications and enhance overall network performance.
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