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Introduction

This chapter introduces the 6E233-49 SmartSwitch 6000 device and provides information about how to obtain additional support from Cabletron Systems.

Important Notice

Depending on the firmware version used in the SmartSwitch, some features described in this document may not be supported. Refer to the Release Notes shipped with the SmartSwitch to determine which features are supported.

1.1OVERVIEW

The 6E233-49 SmartSwitch, shown in Figure 1-1, is an Ethernet interface module for the Cabletron Systems 6C105 chassis. The 6E233-49 has 48 switched ports via four RJ21 connectors, and 1 slot for an optional High Speed Interface Module (HSIM).

The 6E233-49 SmartSwitch can be used to connect individual high-bandwidth user devices, such as workstations, or to provide a central switching point for multiple 10 Mbps Ethernet segments. The optional HSIMs provide one or more high speed uplinks to networking technologies such as Gigabit Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI), Wide Area Network (WAN) and Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM). The ESX-1620 is not capable of supporting VHSIMs.

The 6E233-49 SmartSwitch ports can be configured to control frame traffic several ways, including prioritizing traffic flow according to protocol type. The 6E233-49 SmartSwitch can also be configured to establish Virtual Local Area Networks (VLANs) and control the flow of frames associated with each VLAN according to priority and Ether type. Detailed information about VLANs is provided in the Cabletron Systems 802.1Q VLAN User’s Guide.

The following sections describe the features of the 6E233-49 SmartSwitch and concludes with information on how to obtain assistance from Cabletron Systems.

Introduction 1-1

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Cabletron Systems 6000 manual Introduction, Overview

6000 specifications

Cabletron Systems 6000 is a high-performance networking device that has made significant contributions to the evolution of enterprise networking solutions. Designed primarily for medium to large organizations, this device emphasizes scalability, flexibility, and robust performance.

One of the central features of the Cabletron Systems 6000 is its modular architecture, allowing businesses to customize their network configurations according to their specific requirements. This modularity means that organizations can start with a basic setup and expand their networking capabilities over time by adding additional modules, thereby optimizing their investment.

At the heart of the Cabletron 6000, various technologies come together to deliver superior network performance. It leverages advanced Ethernet and Fast Ethernet technologies, with support for both 10Base-T and 100Base-TX standards. This ensures compatibility with a wide array of networking devices while providing the necessary bandwidth to handle increasing data traffic demands.

Another noteworthy characteristic of the Cabletron Systems 6000 is its robust management capabilities. The device supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), which enables administrators to monitor network devices in real-time, manage performance, and troubleshoot issues proactively. This feature enhances network reliability and minimizes downtime, critical components for businesses that depend heavily on seamless communication.

The device also incorporates advanced security features, including VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, which allows for segmenting network traffic for enhanced security and performance. This segmentation ensures that sensitive information remains contained and reduces the risk of unauthorized access, making it an ideal choice for businesses that prioritize data security.

Furthermore, the Cabletron Systems 6000 is designed to be user-friendly, featuring an intuitive interface for configuration and management tasks. This ease of use reduces the training burden on IT staff and allows for quicker deployment and troubleshooting.

In summary, the Cabletron Systems 6000 stands out with its modular design, advanced technologies, and robust management and security features. These characteristics make it a versatile and dependable choice for businesses looking to establish or enhance their networking infrastructure, adapting seamlessly to changing demands over time.