RS 2100 Introduction

SoftwareOverview

2.3SOFTWARE OVERVIEW

This section describes the features and capabilities of the RS 2100 in greater detail. For full information regarding the use of these features and capabilities, see the Riverstone RS Switch Router User Guide.

2.3.1Bridging

The RS 2100 provides the following types of wire-speed bridging:

Address-based bridging – The RS 2100 performs this type of bridging by looking up a packet’s destination address in an L2 lookup table on the line card that received the packet from the network. The L2 lookup table indicates the exit port(s) for the bridged packet. If the packet is addressed to the RS 2100’s own MAC address, the packet is routed rather than bridged.

Flow-based bridging – The RS 2100 performs this type of bridging by looking up a packet’s source and destination address in an L2 lookup table on the line card that received the packet from the network.

Your choice of bridging method does not affect RS 2100 performance. However, address-based bridging requires fewer table entries. Alternately, while flow-based bridging uses more table entries, it provides tighter management and control over bridged traffic, and greater resolution to RMON I statistics.

The RS 2100 ports perform address-based bridging by default, but can be configured to perform flow-based bridging on a per-port basis. A port cannot be configured to perform both types of bridging at the same time.

2.3.2Port and Protocol VLANs

The RS 2100 supports the following types of Virtual LANs (VLANs):

Port-based VLANs – A port-based VLAN is a set of ports that comprises a layer-2 broadcast domain. The RS 2100 confines MAC-layer broadcasts to the ports in the VLAN on which the broadcast originates. RS 2100 ports outside the VLAN do not receive the broadcast.

Protocol-based VLANs – A protocol-based VLAN is a named set of ports that comprises an IP, IPX, AppleTalk, DECNet, SNA, IPv6, or L2 broadcast domain. The RS 2100 confines protocol-specific broadcasts to the ports within the protocol-based VLAN. Protocol-based VLANs sometimes are called subnet VLANs or layer-3 VLANs.

You can include the same port in more than one VLAN, even in both port-based and protocol-based VLANs. Moreover, you can define VLANs that span across multiple RS 2100 switches. To simplify VLAN administration, the RS 2100 supports 802.1Q trunk ports, which allow you to use a single port to “trunk” traffic from multiple VLANs to another RS 2100 or to a switch that supports 802.1Q.

2.3.3Routing

The RS 2100 provides wire-speed routing for the following protocols:

IP – protocol that switching and routing devices use for moving traffic within the Internet and within many corporate intranets

IPX – protocol by Novell used in NetWare products

Riverstone Networks RS 2100 Switch Router Getting Started Guide 2-3

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Riverstone Networks RS 2100 manual Software Overview, Bridging, Port and Protocol VLANs, Routing
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RS 2100 specifications

Riverstone Networks RS 2100 is a versatile networking solution tailored for service providers and enterprises. Designed to facilitate seamless data, voice, and video services, the RS 2100 presents a robust platform that integrates both hardware and software capabilities. This device stands out in the realm of advanced routing and switching technologies, offering extensive features that cater to a wide array of connectivity needs.

One of the key features of the RS 2100 is its ability to support high-speed interfaces. With multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, the device ensures substantial bandwidth to handle growing data traffic demands. This makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to future-proof their networks. Additionally, the RS 2100 supports aggregation of different types of traffic flows, allowing for efficient resource utilization and enhanced performance.

The RS 2100 also boasts advanced Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities, which are essential for prioritizing different types of traffic. This is particularly important for applications that require consistent performance, such as VoIP calls or video streaming. By enabling service providers to guarantee bandwidth for critical applications, the RS 2100 enhances user experience and customer satisfaction.

Security is another critical aspect of the RS 2100, featuring multiple layers of protection against various cyber threats. With support for robust firewall functionalities and various VPN protocols, the device ensures that sensitive data remains secure, thereby fortifying the network against potential attacks.

In terms of scalability, the RS 2100 is highly adaptable. Organizations can easily expand their network capabilities as demands grow, thanks to its flexible architecture. This scalability ensures that users can comfortably accommodate increasing user counts and traffic levels over time without necessitating significant infrastructure changes.

The RS 2100 also integrates seamlessly with existing IT infrastructures. Utilizing standard protocols and interfaces, it simplifies deployment and management processes, allowing organizations to easily incorporate it into their current systems. Overall, Riverstone Networks RS 2100 is a powerful and efficient networking solution, equipped with the features needed to support modern communication demands, ensuring reliability and performance across diverse applications. As businesses and service providers continue to evolve, the RS 2100 serves as a trusted partner in navigating the complexities of networking and connectivity.
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