Using the TSX-1620 Bridge View

component— is used to determine which port on this bridge will be the Designated Port for that segment. A lower number indicates a higher priority; the default is 80. The allowable range is 0 to FF.

Path Cost

The portion of the total path cost associated with this port. Lowering a port’s Path Cost makes a port more competitive in the selection of the Designated Port. The default value is 100 for Cabletron bridges. The allowable range is from 1 to 65535.

Figure 3-12. Spanning Tree Port Parameters Window

Designated Cost

The cost of the path from this port to the Root Bridge on the network. If the highlighted port is the Root Port, the Designated Cost is 0. If this bridge is the Root Bridge, all its bridge ports have a Designated Cost of 0. This value is compared to the Root Path Cost field in received configuration BPDUs.

Designated Root

The unique Bridge Identifier of the bridge that is assumed to be the Root Bridge on the network; this information is contained in the Configuration BPDUs.

3-28

The Spanning Tree Port Parameters Window

Page 76
Image 76
Cabletron Systems TSX-1620 manual Path Cost, Designated Cost

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.