Using the TSX-1620 Bridge View

thereby providing route information. The destination station directs replies to each APE packet to the sending station, which, ideally, considers the route traveled by the first reply received to be the most efficient route. The sending station then stores the route information and uses it to send subsequent transmissions to the same station.

Alternatively, a sending station may send an STE frame. On receipt of an STE packet, a bridge can use the single bridge path as determined by the Spanning Tree Algorithm to forward one Spanning Tree Explorer (STE) frame instead of APE frames. In response to an STE packet, the destination station sends out one APE packet, which returns to the sending station information on all possible bridge paths. An STE packet is the only type of Source Route packet whose route is determined by the Spanning Tree Algorithm. Although the Spanning Tree Algorithm determines the bridge path an STE takes to the destination station, the bridge still uses Source Routing to forward the packet (i.e., for specifically-routed frames, the bridge will read and add information to the Routing Information Field in the packet’s header).

Source Route Transparent Bridges

A Source Route Transparent (SRT) bridge—otherwise known as a translational bridge—functions as both a Source Route bridge and a Transparent bridge, providing all the functionality of both bridging types. Only one method, however, is used to forward any single packet.

On receipt of a packet, an SRT bridge will read a packet header’s routing information indicator (RII) bit to determine how to forward the packet. An RII set to 1 indicates that a Routing Information Field (RIF) is present in the packet; the bridge implements Source Routing accordingly. An RII value of 0 indicates that no RIF is present in the packet; in this case, the bridge will forward the packet using Transparent bridging. A translational bridge builds its Filtering Database from information it obtains from both source routed and transparently bridged packets.

Accessing the Bridge Traffic View Window

There are three ways to open the Bridge View: if you are working within a network management system, you can select the Bridge View option from the icon menu; specific directions for creating a TSX-1620 icon and accessing the icon menu can be found in the appropriate Installing and Using SPECTRUM for...

guide. If you are working within the TSX-1620 Hub View, you can select the Bridge Mgmt option from the Bridge menu. If you are running in a stand-alone mode, type the following at the command line:

spmarun bridge <IP address> <community name>

Accessing the Bridge Traffic View Window

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Cabletron Systems TSX-1620 manual Accessing the Bridge Traffic View Window, Source Route Transparent Bridges
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TSX-1620 specifications

The Cabletron Systems TSX-1620 is a pioneering piece of network hardware that played a significant role in the evolution of networking technologies during the 1990s. This well-engineered device is primarily recognized as a multi-port Ethernet switch that was designed to provide high-speed, reliable connectivity for local area networks (LANs). As organizations increasingly demanded robust performance and enhanced network capabilities, the TSX-1620 emerged as a powerful solution to address these needs.

One of the key features of the TSX-1620 is its support for both 10Base-T and 100Base-T standards, catering to both standard Ethernet and Fast Ethernet connections. This versatility allowed businesses to easily transition from older Ethernet systems to newer, faster specifications without replacing their entire infrastructure. The switch could intelligently manage traffic between devices, minimizing collisions and ensuring that data packets were transmitted efficiently.

The architecture of the TSX-1620 includes support for various advanced technologies that enhance network performance. Its store-and-forward switching capability improves data integrity by checking packets for errors before forwarding them to their destination. This process reduces the risk of corrupted data affecting network performance, making it especially valuable for mission-critical applications.

Another notable feature is its robust security tools. The TSX-1620 incorporates VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, enabling network administrators to segment traffic and improve security across different departments or user groups. This not only mitigates the risk associated with unauthorized access but also optimizes network traffic by confining broadcasts to designated VLANs.

Scalability is a prominent characteristic of the TSX-1620. With ports available for expansion, organizations could easily increase their network capacity as their needs grew. This feature promoted long-term investment in network infrastructure, allowing businesses to adapt quickly to changing demands without incurring substantial costs.

Reliability is paramount in networking equipment, and the TSX-1620 does not disappoint. Engineered with high-quality components, this switch was built to operate efficiently in a variety of environments while maintaining stable performance. Its design ensures a cooling mechanism that minimizes overheating, thereby prolonging its operational lifespan.

In summary, the Cabletron Systems TSX-1620 represents a significant advancement in network switch technology during its era. Its combination of speed, versatility, security features, and robust architecture made it a valuable asset for organizations seeking to enhance their networking capabilities and prepare for the future.
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