Black Box Modular Switches

Installation and User Guide (8/99)

4.0OPERATION

This chapter describes the functions and operation of the LE14XXA-Series.

4.1Switching Functionality

ALE14XXA-Series provides switched connectivity at Ethernet wire-speed among al of its ports. The LE14XXA-Series supports10/100Mbs for copper media and 10 or 100Mb separate traffic domain for fiber port to maximize bandwidth utilization and network performance. All ports can communicate to all other ports in a LE14XXA-Series, but local traffic on a port will not consume any of the bandwidth on any other port.

LE14XXA-Series units are plug-and-play devices. There is no software configuring t be done at installation or for maintenance. The only hardware configuration settings are user options for UP-LINK on RJ-45 4-port. Half / Full duplex mode and 10 or 100Mbps selection f the switched ports can be done through jumper settings inside the unit. The internal functions o both are described below.

Filtering and Forwarding

Each time a packet arrives on one of the switched ports, the decision is taken to eithe filter or to forward the packet. Packets whose source and destination addresses are on the same port segment will be filtered, constraining them to one port and relieving the rest of the network from processing them. A packet whose destination address is on another port segment will be forwarded to the appropriate port, and will not be sent to the other ports where it is not needed Traffic needed for maintaining the operation of the network (such as occasional multi-cast packets) are forwarded to all ports.

The LE14XXA-Series Switches operate in the store-and-forward switching mode, which eliminates bad packets and enables peak performance to be achieved when there is heavy traffic on the network.

Address Learning

All 16-port LE14XXA-Series units have address table capacity of 24K node addresse (12K for 8-port models), suitable for use in large networks. They are self-learning, so that as

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Black Box LE14XXA, Modular Switches manual Switching Functionality, Filtering and Forwarding, Address Learning
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LE14XXA, Modular Switches specifications

The Black Box LE14XXA series of modular switches are designed for high-performance networking in both small and medium enterprises, as well as in larger data center environments. These switches stand out due to their scalability, flexibility, and robust functionality, making them suitable for a variety of applications.

One of the main features of the LE14XXA modular switches is their modular design, allowing for the integration of various interface cards to tailor the switch to specific networking needs. This flexibility ensures that organizations can adapt their network architecture as requirements evolve, making it a future-proof investment. The switches support a range of modules, including Ethernet, fiber optics, and PoE (Power over Ethernet), which can be easily swapped out or added to support changing technology demands.

In terms of performance, the LE14XXA series offers impressive throughput capabilities, often supporting up to 10 Gbps per port. This speed is critical for businesses that rely on fast data transfer rates for tasks such as video conferencing, large file transfers, and real-time applications. The switches also feature advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities, facilitating efficient data routing and switching, which is essential for maintaining effective network performance.

Security is another critical characteristic of the Black Box LE14XXA switches. They incorporate a variety of security protocols, including 802.1X port-based access control, VLAN support, and secure management interfaces, which help protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards. This makes them an excellent choice for organizations that prioritize data protection and regulatory compliance.

Ethernet redundancy protocols, such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP), enhance network reliability by providing failover options in case of link failures. Additionally, the LE14XXA switches feature energy-efficient designs that comply with energy-saving standards, which can significantly reduce operational costs over time.

User-friendly management interfaces, including a web-based GUI and command-line interface (CLI), simplify the configuration and monitoring processes. This ensures that IT administrators can efficiently handle the network without extensive training or experience.

Overall, the Black Box LE14XXA modular switches combine advanced technology, security features, and versatile design, making them a powerful choice for modern networking needs. Their adaptability and high performance offer businesses the capability to build scalable and secure networks that can grow alongside their operations.
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