Frame Relay Backup

Frame relay virtual-circuit backup in the SmartSwitch 1800 provides frame relay DLCIs with automatic backup protection in the event of LMI loss or port failure. (A DLCI is considered down/inactive if level 1 is down. If LMI is used, the DLCI is also considered inactive if not reported as active in a Full Status Message from the DCE.)

A physical frame relay port can be dedicated to providing backup DLCIs, or backups can co-exist with "regular" DLCIs on a port.

In a backup configuration, one end is considered the "initiating" node and the other the "remote" node. The initiating end is the one that will establish the backup link if it dis- covers that the primary link is down. (A node can be the initiating node for some backup configurations and the remote node for others.)

Any sessions in progress when a primary DLCI goes down will not be transferred directly to the backup DLCI, but will be reset, then established on the backup.

DLCIs used for backup on the initiating node are assigned to "backup groups," each of which can contain up to ten backup DLCIs. A backup group is then assigned to one or more "primary" DLCIs (the ones that will be backed up).

The basic procedure for configuring backup DLCIs is:

1.Configure all DLCIs that will be backed up or used as backups. All parameters can be configured for each DLCI except specifying a Backup Group Number on a primary DLCI (that will be backed up) on an "initiating" node (which will initiate the switchover to a backup DLCI).

2.Configure backup groups. A backup group is one or more DLCIs that will act as backup if the primary goes down.

3.Configure Backup Group Numbers and related information for primary DLCIs. This will assign a Backup Group to each primary DLCI.

For each example in Figure 7-1, assume that Node 1 is a remote site and Node 2 is a central site. Also assume that Node 1 will be the initiating node. On that node, the primary DLCI is on port 2 and the backup is on port 0.

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Cabletron Systems 1800 manual Frame Relay Backup
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1800 specifications

Cabletron Systems, a leading player in network management and telecommunications solutions during the late 20th century, introduced several innovative products that played a crucial role in shaping enterprise networking. Among these were the Cabletron FRX6000, FRX4000, and the FRX1800, which delivered advanced features aimed at enhancing network performance, security, and scalability.

The Cabletron FRX6000 was designed as a robust multi-layer switch, ideal for large-scale enterprise environments. It supported extensive routing capabilities, allowing organizations to manage traffic efficiently even under heavy loads. The FRX6000 boasted high throughput rates and low latency, making it suitable for demanding applications. With support for various network protocols, including IP, IPX, and AppleTalk, its adaptability made it a versatile choice for diverse networking needs. Moreover, security features like VLAN support and Access Control Lists (ACLs) provided enhanced protection against potential threats.

Moving to the FRX4000, this model offered a balance between performance and cost-effectiveness. The FRX4000 maintained many of the essential features of its larger counterpart while catering to medium-sized enterprises. It provided Layer 3 routing and could handle multiple simultaneous connections, ensuring seamless communication across departments. The modular design allowed for easy upgrades, enabling businesses to expand their network infrastructure without significant overhauls. This made the FRX4000 an attractive option for organizations looking to optimize their network investments.

Lastly, the FRX1800, designed for small to medium businesses, focused on simplicity and ease of use while still incorporating powerful network management capabilities. Its user-friendly interface made it accessible for organizations lacking extensive IT resources. The FRX1800 provided essential functionalities such as Integrated Layer 2 switching and routing, network monitoring, and basic security features, ensuring that even smaller companies could maintain efficient, reliable networking without overwhelming complexity.

All three models utilized advanced technologies, including a high bandwidth backbone and state-of-the-art switching architecture, to enable fast and reliable data transfer. They also supported Quality of Service (QoS) mechanisms, allowing businesses to prioritize critical applications and ensure consistent performance across the network.

In summary, the Cabletron FRX6000, FRX4000, and FRX1800 were pivotal in enhancing network capabilities, providing organizations with scalable, secure, and high-performance options tailored to their specific needs.
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