Bridging

2-48 Special Filter Databases

Looking at each enabled Þlter, starting with the lowest numbered Þlter, the bridge
compares the following Þelds to the corresponding Þelds in the received packet:
¥ Destination address
¥ Source address
¥ Ethernet or Token Ring data type
¥ Up to 16 hex integers (64 bytes) of the data Þeld
In addition, a Þlter can also specify at which port or ports the packet must be
received for the Þlter to be applicable. If a received packet matches all the contents
of an enabled Þlter, the bridge forwards the packet to the deÞned set of ports.
Filters provide broad conÞguration ßexibility. For example, you can deÞne
multiple scenarios for a single Þlter by specifying different combinations of
receive port/destination port. You can use wildcard characters in Þlter Þelds to
force a match with particular bits of the received packetÕs destination address,
source address, type, or data. You can specify an offset for the data Þeld, to specify
the starting point in the data where the bridge looks for the match. For entries that
donÕt match any of the enabled Þlters, you can conÞgure the bridge to Þlter or
forward the entry or pass the Þlter/forward decision to the Filtering Database.
Ethernet and Token Ring Special Filter Database Windows
At the Ethernet and Token ring Special Filter Database windows, Figure 2-13, you
can view a list of the special Þlters for the selected bridge. There are 19 available
Þlters in the Special Filter Database. You can not add any additional Þlters. You
can view Þve of these Þlters at a time in the Special Filter Database window. Use
the scroll bars to view the other fourteen Þlters.
When you Þrst open the window, all Þlters will be undeÞned. For each Þeld,
bytes will be initialized with Òmatch-anyÓ characters (xx) for each digit. Any
hexadecimal byte will be accepted as valid for the corresponding wildcard (xx)
characters. For example, a Source Address Þlter deÞned as Òxx-xx-xx-xx-bf-coÓ
will pass the Þrst four bytes of a frameÕs source address unconditionally, but the
last two bytes must match the Òbf-coÓ Þlter.
To access the Ethernet or Token Ring Special Filter Database window from the
Bridge Status window:
1. Click on Bridge to display the Bridge menu.
2. Click on Ethernet or Token Ring Special Filter Database. The selected
Special Filter Database window, Figure 2-13, will appear.
To access the Ethernet or Token Ring Special Filter Database window from the
Chassis View window:
1. Click on the Board Index of the device of interest; the Board menu will
appear.
2. Click on Ethernet or Token Ring Special Filter Database. The selected
Special Filter Database window, Figure 2-13, will appear.