Chapter 1: Introduction
1.3.3Auto-Negotiation
The optional FE-100TX Fast Ethernet Interface Module can auto-negotiate the type of connection required to provide a link to another device. During Auto-Negotiation, two devices automatically exchange information “telling” each other what their operating capabilities are. The Auto-Negotiation feature targets the maximum capabilities that can be reached between the two devices. For example, a 2M46-04R FE-100TX Fast Ethernet Interface Module adjusts to 100 Mbps when the device on the other end of the connection can also adjust to 100 Mbps. If the device on the other end of the connection can only operate at 10 Mbps, then the 2M46-04R Fast Ethernet Interface Module simply adjusts to 10 Mbps.
When Auto-Negotiation is supported at both ends of a link, the two devices dynamically adjust to full or half duplex operation based on the maximum capability that can be reached between the two devices. If the device connected to the 2M46-04R cannot auto-negotiate, the 2M46-04R Fast Ethernet Interface Module operates according to the capabilities of the other device.
1.3.4SmartTrunk
SmartTrunk, also referred to as SmartTrunking, is Cabletron Systems’ terminology for load balancing or load sharing. SmartTrunk technology provides an easy-to-implement mechanism to group, or aggregate, multiple physical links together to scale the backbone bandwidth beyond the limitations of a single link. All links are user-configurable so administrators can scale the backbone bandwidth by adding SmartTrunk links. The SmartTrunk benefits are as follows:
•All purchased bandwidth is used.
•Distributed, resilient links increase reliability and performance.
•Multiple technologies are supported within a single trunk for maximum flexibility.
For more information about SmartTrunk, refer to the Cabletron Systems SmartTrunk User’s Guide.
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