Using the TSX-1620 Bridge View

NOTE

The values for the Forward Delay, Max Age, Hold Time, and Hello Time fields are stored within the MIB in units of hundredths of a second rather than seconds; your Cabletron management application converts hundredths of a second to seconds for display purposes. You can use any SNMP Set Request tool to edit the values for these three fields; just remember that you must enter your values in hundredths of seconds, rather than in seconds.

Root Forward Delay

The Forward Delay (in seconds) that will be implemented by this bridge if it is the Root or becomes the Root. (The Root Bridge in the network sets the Forward Delay for all bridges in the Spanning Tree network.)

The IEEE 802.1d specification recommends that Forward Delay = 15 seconds, with an allowable range of 4 to 30 seconds.

To ensure proper operation of the Spanning Tree Algorithm, the IEEE 802.1d specification

TIP recommends that you always observe the following relationship between Forward Delay and Max Age:

2 x (Forward Delay - 1.0) > Max Age

Root Max Age

The Max Age value (in seconds) that will be implemented if this bridge is the Root or becomes the Root. (The Root Bridge in the network sets the Max Age for all bridges in the Spanning Tree network.)

The IEEE 802.1d specification recommends that Max Age = 20 seconds, with an allowable range of 6 to 40 seconds.

Root Hello Time

The Hello Time that will be implemented if this bridge is the Root or becomes the Root.

The IEEE 802.1d specification recommends that Hello Time = 2 seconds, with an allowable range of 1 to 10 seconds.

The Spanning Tree Port Table button opens the window in which you set Spanning Tree parameters for individual bridge ports; see The Spanning Tree Port Parameters Window, page 3-27, for more information.

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The Spanning Tree Protocol Window

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Cabletron Systems TSX-1620 manual Root Forward Delay, Root Max Age, Root Hello Time

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.