Using the TSX-1620 Bridge View

descriptors (bridge hops) allowed in a packet’s Routing Information Field. A bridge port will discard any explorer packets whose RIF’s exceed the maximum number of routing descriptors.

Local Segment Number

Normally, when assigning local segment numbers, you must assign a unique number to each network segment in a network; this field represents the network segment to which this port is attached physically. The bridge adds the Local Segment number to the routing information field of source route discovery frames. Valid entries range from 0 to 4095. A value of 65535 indicates that no segment number is assigned to this port. For the TSX-1620, you can assign the same local segment number to separate physical rings attached to multiple ports on the TSX-1620, and the device will treat them as if they were a single ring. For each separate local segment number defined for the TSX-1620’s ports, a separate Bridge Port box will be displayed in the Bridge View.

Bridge Number

A Bridge Number uniquely identifies this bridge port when two bridge ports are used to span the same two segments; otherwise unique Bridge Numbers are not necessary for individual ports. The Bridge Number should be in the range of 0 to 15. The value 65535 indicates that no Bridge Number is assigned.

Target Segment Number

The unique network number of the target network segment that the bridge attaches to. Valid entries range from 0 to 4095. A value of 65535 indicates that no target segment number is assigned to this port. Individual ports on a TSX-1620 should each be assigned unique values for this field.

NOTE

The TSX-1620 does not use the Target Segment Number field because it has more than two ports and therefore could have multiple target segments for each local segment.

Largest Frame

The maximum size of a frame’s INFO field that this port can send or receive. The default value for this field is set in the TSX-1620’s firmware. When it receives an explorer frame, the bridge uses its Largest Frame value to decide if it should modify the Routing Control field of the Routing Information field. A Source Route bridge has the ability to embed this information into the explorer packets so that end stations can adjust their Mtu size accordingly.

Possible Largest Frame sizes as defined by the 802.5 source routing bridging specification are 516, 1500, 2052, 4472, 8144, 11407, 17800, and 65535.

The Source Routing Configuration Window

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Cabletron Systems TSX-1620 manual Local Segment Number, Bridge Number, Target Segment Number, Largest Frame
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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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