Overview
1-6 Introduction
1.1.11 GARP Switch Operation
Some or all ports on the switch may be activated to operate under the Generic Attribute
Registration Protocol (GARP) applications, GARP VLAN Registration Protocol (GVRP) and/or
GARP Multicast Registration Protocol (GMRP).
GARP is a protocol, or set of rules, that outlines a mechanism for propagating the port state and/or
user information throughout a bridged LAN to keep track of users and VLANs on the network
fabric. MAC bridges and end users alike can take part in the registration and de-registration of
GARP attributes such as VLAN and multicast group membership. For more details on how GVRP
and GMRP handle frames under GARP, and how to configure the switch ports to take advantage of
this operation, refer to the Cabletron Systems SmartSwitch Series 2E253, 2H252, 2H253, and
2H258 Local Management User’s Guide.
1.1.12 802.1 Port Priority
The 802.1 port priority is used to assign a default priority to the frames received without priority
information in their tag header, map prioritized frames to the appropriate transmit queues, and
prioritize frames according to protocol type. The 802.1 port priority is part of the IEEE 802.1D
standard.
1.1.13 Management
Management of the 2E253-49R is accomplished using SNMP compliant management tools for
in-band Local Management. Out-of-band Local Management is provided through the RJ45 COM
port on the front panel using a VT100 terminal or a VT100 terminal emulator. In-band remote
management is possible through any SNMP compliant Network Management Software.
Local Management described in the Cabletron Systems SmartSwitch Series 2E253, 2H252,
2H253, and 2H258 Local Management User’s Guide provides the ability to manage the
2E253-49R, and optional HSIMs and VHSIMs that support Ethernet. For information about Local
Management for optional non-Ethernet HSIMs or VHSIMs, refer to their respective user’s guide.
1.1.14 Switching Options
The 2E253-49R provides 802.1Q switching or SecureFast Switching Virtual Network Services
between all of the front panel interfaces including the optional HSIM or VHSIM interface. In the
802.1Q mode (the default mode of operation), the 2E253-49R functions as an 802.1D switch until
VLANs are configured.
IEEE 802.1Q switching and SecureFast switching allow migration to Virtual Network
technologies without requiring the replacement of existing equipment.