Cabletron Systems CSX200, CSX400 manual 4-43, Bridging, Filtering Database

Bridging

The Filtering Database consists of two separate databases: the Static and the Learned Databases.

The Static Database contains addresses that are entered by a network administrator. You add these addresses directly to the database while the bridge is powered up, or to the deviceÕs battery-backed RAM so that they are stored on shutdown until the next power-up.

The Learned Database consists of addresses that accumulate as part of the bridgeÕs learning process as it is up and running. These do not remain in the Source Address Table when the system is shut down. The Learned Database also contains the addresses that are in the Static Database upon start-up of the bridge.

Entries to the Source Address Table are one of four types: Permanent, Static, Dynamic, or Learned.

¥Permanent entries are addresses that you add to the Static Database (via the Filtering Database window) that are stored in the deviceÕs battery-backed RAM. Since they remain in the device on shutdown or restart, they are considered ÒPermanent.Ó

¥Static entries are addresses that you add to the Static Database (via the Filtering Database window). These entries remain in the device until it is shut down.

¥Dynamic entries are addresses that you add to the Static Database (via the Filtering Database window). With the Aging Time feature, you set the time period that these addresses are saved in the Source Address Table. Addresses that have not transmitted a packet during one complete cycle of the aging timer are deleted from the database.

¥Learned entries are addresses that are added to the Learned Database through the bridgeÕs learning process. With the Aging Time feature, you set the time period that these addresses are saved in the Source Address Table. Addresses which are inactive within a cycle of the aging timer are dropped from the database.

Learned address entries are divided into two types, Learned and Self. Address entries classiÞed as Learned have transmitted frames destined for a device attached to a device portÕs connected segment. Address entries classiÞed as Self are those that have sent a frame with a destination address of one of the deviceÕs bridging ports.

At the Filtering Database window (Figure 4-11,page 4-45),you can view the number of entries of each type: Permanent, Static, Dynamic, or Learned.

NOTE

Even though new entries into the Filtering Database are added as Static entries by default, note that some devices, including the FN100, do not support Static entries. For these devices, once you add an entry into the Filtering Database, it must be changed to a Permanent type before clicking on OK to apply the change. If the entry is not changed to a Permanent type before clicking on OK, you will receive a Set Failed message.

Filtering Database 4-43