EDS-408A/405A Series User’s Manual

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yThe topology of a bridged network will be determined much more quickly compared to STP.

yRSTP is backward compatible with STP, making it relatively easy to deploy. For example:

¾Defaults to sending 802.1D style BPDUs if packets with this format are received.

¾STP (802.1D) and RSTP (802.1w) can operate on different ports of the same EDS. This feature is particularly helpful when EDS ports are connected to older equipment, such as legacy switches.

RSTP provides essentially the same functionality as STP. To see how the two systems differ, see the Differences between RSTP and STP section in this chapter.

NOTE

The STP protocol is part of the IEEE Std 802.1D, 1998 Edition bridge specification. The

 

following explanation uses bridge instead of switch.

 

 

What is STP?

STP (802.1D) is a bridge-based system that is used to implement parallel paths for network traffic. STP uses a loop-detection process to:

yLocate and then disable less efficient paths (i.e., paths that have a lower bandwidth).

yEnable one of the less efficient paths if the most efficient path fails.

The figure below shows a network made up of three LANs separated by three bridges. Each segment uses at most two paths to communicate with the other segments. Since this configuration can give rise to loops, the network will overload if STP is NOT enabled.

Bridge A

LAN 1

Bridge B

LAN 2

Bridge C

LAN 3

If STP is enabled, it will detect duplicate paths and prevent, or block, one of them from forwarding traffic. In the following example, STP determines that traffic from LAN segment 2 to LAN segment 1 should flow through Bridges C and A as this path has a greater bandwidth and is therefore more efficient.

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Moxa Technologies 405A SERIES, EDS-408A user manual What is STP?

405A SERIES, EDS-408A specifications

Moxa Technologies has established itself as a leader in networking solutions, particularly for industrial applications. Among their cutting-edge products is the 405A Series, specifically the EDS-408A model, which exemplifies Moxa's commitment to performance, reliability, and versatility in industrial Ethernet switches.

The EDS-408A is an 8-port industrial Ethernet switch that offers an impressive array of features and capabilities designed to meet the demands of harsh environments. One of its main highlights is the ability to support both 10/100 Mbps Fast Ethernet and Gigabit Ethernet connections, providing users with the flexibility to integrate a range of devices within their network. Its robust design ensures that it operates seamlessly in extreme conditions, with a wide operating temperature range from -40 to 75 degrees Celsius.

The EDS-408A is built to support an array of networking topologies. It features advanced Ethernet switching technologies that enable fast and efficient data transfer while minimizing latency. The device is equipped with wire-speed forwarding capabilities, which is vital for maintaining high performance in heavy network traffic scenarios.

Another key feature of the EDS-408A is its redundancy support. The switch incorporates various redundancy protocols, including Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP) and MRP (Media Redundancy Protocol), which enhance network reliability by allowing quick recovery in the event of a failure. This ensures continuous network uptime, which is critical for industrial applications.

Furthermore, Moxa Technologies has adopted an user-friendly web-based management interface in the EDS-408A, simplifying the configuration and monitoring process. This allows system administrators to easily manage settings, monitor traffic, and troubleshoot issues in real time. Additionally, the switch supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) for remote monitoring and management, enabling organizations to keep their networks optimized.

Security is another paramount feature of the EDS-408A. It includes built-in security mechanisms such as port security, VLAN, and access control lists (ACLs), which help safeguard sensitive network segments from unauthorized access.

In conclusion, Moxa Technologies' EDS-408A model from the 405A Series is a robust and feature-rich industrial Ethernet switch designed for demanding environments. With its support for various network protocols, redundancy features, user-friendly management, and enhanced security, the EDS-408A stands out as a reliable solution for organizations looking to enhance their industrial networking capabilities.