Chapter 5

Configuration Using the Web-based Utility

Topology Changes Counts  The total amount of STP state changes that have occurred.

LastTopology Change  The elapsed time since the bridge was initialized or reset, and the last topographic change occurred. The time is displayed in a day hour minute second format, for example, 2 days 5 hours 10 minutes and 4 seconds.

Spanning Tree > Global STP

The Global STP screen contains global parameters for STP on the Switch.

Spanning Tree > Global STP

Global Setting

Spanning Tree State  Select Enable or Disable from the drop-down menu to enable or disable STP on the Switch. The default is Enable.

BPDU Handling  Determines how BPDU packets are managed when STP is disabled on the port or Switch. BPDUs are used to transmit spanning tree information. The possible values are:

Filtering  Filters BPDU packets when spanning tree is disabled on an interface.

Flooding  Floods BPDU packets when spanning tree is disabled on an interface. This is the default value.

Path Cost Default Values  The method used to assign default path costs to STP ports. The possible values are:

Short  Specifies a range of 1-65,535 for port path costs.

Long  Specifies a range of 1-200,000,000 for port path costs. The default path costs assigned to an interface varies according to the selected method. This is the default value.

Bridge Settings

Priority  Specifies the bridge priority value. When switches or bridges are running STP, each is assigned a priority. After exchanging BPDUs, the device with the lowest priority value becomes the Root Bridge. The default value is 32768. The value must be a multiple of 4096. For example, 4096, 8192, 12288, etc. The range is 0 to 65535.

HelloTime  Specifies the device HelloTime (the amount of time in seconds a root bridge waits between configuration messages). The default is 2 seconds. The range is 1 to 10 seconds.

Max Age  Specifies the device Maximum Age Time (the amount of time in seconds that a bridge waits before sending configuration messages). The default is 20 seconds. The range is 6 to 40 seconds.

Forward Delay  Specifies the device forward delay time (the amount of time in seconds a bridge remains in a listening and learning state before forwarding packets). The default is 15 seconds. The range is 4 to 30 seconds.

Choose settings for the Hello Time, Max Age, and Forward Delay parameters so that both of the following are true:

Max Age ≥ 2 × (Hello Time + 1)

2 × (Forward Delay – 1) ≥ Max Age

Click Save Settings to save the changes, or Cancel Changes to cancel the changes.

Spanning Tree > STP Port Settings

The STP Port Settings screen allows network administrators to assign STP settings to specific interfaces.

Spanning Tree > STP Port Settings

Interface  Indicates the port or LAG on which STP is enabled. Select either Port (default) or LAG, then select the interface from the drop-down menu.

Enable STP  Select this to enable STP on the port. The default is Enabled.

24/48-Port 10/100 + 4-Port Gigabit Resilient Clustering Smart Switch with 2 Combo SFPs

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Linksys SLM224G4S manual Spanning Tree Global STP, Spanning Tree STP Port Settings, Global Setting, Bridge Settings

SLM224G4S specifications

The Linksys SLM224G4S is a sophisticated Layer 2 managed switch designed for businesses and institutions that demand high performance, reliability, and advanced networking features. This model stands out due to its blend of robustness and manageability, making it ideal for expanding networks.

One of the primary features of the SLM224G4S is its 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for high-speed data transfers essential for bandwidth-intensive applications. Supporting auto-negotiation, these ports can detect the capabilities of connected devices and configure themselves accordingly, ensuring optimal performance without manual intervention. With four additional shared Gigabit SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) ports, this switch provides flexibility in network design and enhances scalability.

The SLM224G4S supports VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) capabilities, which can segment network traffic to improve security and performance. This is particularly useful in environments where different departments or teams require distinct network segments for operational efficiency. By implementing VLANs, organizations can enhance their network management while isolating sensitive information from potential threats.

Quality of Service (QoS) is another critical technology integrated into the SLM224G4S. It prioritizes network traffic, ensuring that critical applications receive the bandwidth they need for optimal performance. This is particularly important for VoIP and video conferencing applications, where latency and jitter can significantly impact user experience.

The switch also features advanced Layer 2 management functionalities, including SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), allowing IT administrators to monitor network performance and quickly troubleshoot issues. The embedded web-based management interface makes configuration straightforward, enabling quick adjustments to settings without deep networking knowledge.

Security is a paramount consideration in today’s networking landscape. The SLM224G4S provides robust security features, including port security that limits the number of MAC addresses allowed on a port, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Moreover, it supports802.1X port-based authentication, ensuring that only authenticated devices can connect to the network.

In summary, the Linksys SLM224G4S managed switch boasts features such as 24 Gigabit Ethernet ports, VLAN support, QoS, SNMP management, and advanced security protocols. These characteristics make it an excellent choice for businesses looking to enhance their network's performance, safety, and reliability, paving the way for seamless connectivity in today’s digital age.