Bridging

About Transparent Bridging

Transparent bridges are most common in Ethernet networks. Individual Transparent bridges monitor packet trafÞc on attached network segments to learn where end stations reside in relation to each segment by mapping the Source Address of each received frame to the port (and segment) it was detected on. This information gets stored in the bridgeÕs Filtering Database.

When in the Forwarding state, the bridge compares a packetÕs destination address to the information in the Filtering Database to determine if the packet should be forwarded to another network segment or Þltered (i.e., not forwarded). A bridge Þlters a packet if it determines that the packetÕs destination address exists on the same side of the bridge as the source address.

If two or more bridges are connected to the same Ethernet LAN segmentÑplaced in parallelÑonly a single bridge must be allowed to forward data frames onto that segment. If two or more bridges were forwarding data frames onto the same Ethernet segment, the network would soon be ßooded.

With a data loop in the topology, bridges would erroneously associate a single source address with multiple bridge ports, and keep proliferating data by forwarding packets in response to the ever-changing (but incorrect) information stored in their Filtering Database.

To avoid such data storms, Transparent bridges communicate with one another on the network by exchanging Bridge Protocol Data Units (BPDUs) to determine the network topology and collectively implement a Spanning Tree Algorithm (STA) that selects a controlling bridge for each LAN segment; this ensures that only a single data route exists between any two end stations and that topology information remains current.

About Source Route Bridging

Source Routing is typically used to connect two or more Token Ring network segments. Source Route bridges differ from Transparent bridges in that they do not build and then use a physical address database to make forwarding decisions. Instead, the source end station transmits packets with a header that contains routing information (added by bridges in the network topology during a route discovery process between end stations); once a route has been determined, a Source Route bridge simply reads the header of a source routed packet to determine whether it is a participant in routing the packet.

In Source Routing, sending and receiving devices employ broadcast packetsÑknown as explorer packetsÑto determine the most efÞcient route for a message to travel. Generally, before a station sends a message, it will Þrst send a test packet to all stations on the same ring; if the sending station receives a response to this packet, it assumes that the destination station is on the same ring and therefore it will not include routing information in frames sent to that station in the future. Any further packets issued between stations will appear to be transparent-style frames without embedded routing information.

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Bridging Basics

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Cabletron Systems CSX400, CSX200 manual About Transparent Bridging, About Source Route Bridging
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CSX200, CSX400 specifications

Cabletron Systems was a leading developer of networking solutions, and its CSX400 and CSX200 series of high-performance switches represent some of the key innovations in the field of enterprise networking during their time. Both models were geared towards enhancing network reliability, efficiency, and speed, particularly in environments where heavy data traffic and complex networking demands were prevalent.

The CSX400, designed for larger enterprises, boasts a robust architecture capable of handling significant throughput. One of its standout features is its stackable design, allowing multiple switches to be interconnected and managed seamlessly as a single unit. This scalability provides organizations with the flexibility to expand their networks without significant infrastructure overhauls. The CSX400 supports various Ethernet standards, including 10/100 Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet, positioning it to effectively manage both legacy and modern networking requirements.

In addition to its scalability, the CSX400 is distinguished by its advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 routing capabilities. This dual-layer functionality enables efficient data handling and is instrumental in managing traffic between different network segments. Moreover, the switch incorporates features like VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support and Quality of Service (QoS) prioritization, allowing for enhanced performance of critical applications and streamlined bandwidth allocation.

On the other hand, the CSX200 series is tailored for smaller enterprises or branch offices needing a reliable yet efficient networking solution. Despite its compact design, the CSX200 is equipped with essential features that promote effective network management and security. It offers a simplified management interface, making it user-friendly for network administrators. The switch also provides essential access control measures, employing technologies like IEEE 802.1X for network access security.

Both the CSX400 and CSX200 prioritize performance through the incorporation of advanced switching technologies. They support features such as Spanning Tree Protocol (STP), enabling loop-free topologies and enhanced network resilience. These attributes are particularly crucial in dynamic networking environments where downtime can have significant repercussions on business operations.

Overall, Cabletron Systems' CSX400 and CSX200 series represent a blend of scalability, advanced routing capabilities, and user-friendly management, making them vital assets for organizations looking to optimize their network infrastructure during a period of rapid technological evolution. With their rich feature sets and unwavering performance, these switches helped pave the way for modern networking solutions that cater to diverse enterprise needs.
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