SPANNING TREE ALGORITHM CONFIGURATION

The spanning tree algorithms supported by this switch include these versions:

•STP – Spanning Tree Protocol (IEEE 802.1D)

•RSTP – Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (IEEE 802.1w)

STA uses a distributed algorithm to select a bridging device (STA-compliant switch, bridge or router) that serves as the root of the spanning tree network. It selects a root port on each bridging device (except for the root device) which incurs the lowest path cost when forwarding a packet from that device to the root device. Then it selects a designated bridging device from each LAN which incurs the lowest path cost when forwarding a packet from that LAN to the root device. All ports connected to designated bridging devices are assigned as designated ports. After determining the lowest cost spanning tree, it enables all root ports and designated ports, and disables all other ports. Network packets are therefore only forwarded between root ports and designated ports, eliminating any possible network loops.

Designated

Root

x

x

 

Designated x

 

Designated

Port

x

 

 

 

Bridge

x

 

 

 

Root Port

Once a stable network topology has been established, all bridges listen for Hello BPDUs (Bridge Protocol Data Units) transmitted from the Root Bridge. If a bridge does not get a Hello BPDU after a predefined interval (Maximum Age), the bridge assumes that the link to the Root Bridge is down. This bridge will then initiate negotiations with other bridges to reconfigure the network to reestablish a valid network topology.

RSTP is designed as a general replacement for the slower, legacy STP. RSTP achieves must faster reconfiguration (i.e., around 1 to 3 seconds, compared to 30 seconds or more for STP) by reducing the number of state changes before active ports start learning, predefining an alternate route

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SMC6752AL2 specifications

The SMC Networks SMC6752AL2 is a robust and versatile gigabit Ethernet switch designed to cater to the demands of medium to large enterprise networks. This switch delivers an impressive combination of performance, flexibility, and manageability, making it an ideal solution for businesses seeking to enhance their network infrastructure.

One of the standout features of the SMC6752AL2 is its 48 Gigabit Ethernet ports, allowing for high-speed network connections to a variety of devices such as servers, workstations, and other networked equipment. Additionally, the switch includes 4 SFP (Small Form-factor Pluggable) slots that provide options for connecting to other networking devices via fiber optics, enhancing the versatility of the network configuration.

The SMC6752AL2 supports advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities, which are crucial for efficient data handling and traffic management. With features such as VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support, the switch can segment network traffic to improve performance and security while effectively managing broadcast domains. It supports 802.1Q VLAN tagging, allowing for better network segmentation and isolation of different types of traffic.

Moreover, the switch is equipped with Quality of Service (QoS) features to prioritize critical data transmissions. This is essential for applications requiring real-time data flow, such as VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and video conferencing. The SMC6752AL2's QoS capabilities enable users to classify and prioritize traffic, ensuring a smooth and seamless experience for bandwidth-intensive applications.

The SMC6752AL2 also includes features such as port mirroring and link aggregation, enhancing the monitoring and management capabilities of the network. Port mirroring allows administrators to duplicate traffic from one port to another for analysis and troubleshooting, while link aggregation enables combining multiple connections for increased bandwidth and redundancy.

In terms of security, the switch supports802.1X port-based authentication, providing a layer of network access control that ensures only authorized users can connect. This feature, combined with the ability to create access control lists (ACLs), helps to safeguard the network against unauthorized access and other potential threats.

Overall, the SMC Networks SMC6752AL2 is a feature-rich Ethernet switch that offers reliable performance and advanced capabilities for managing enterprise networks. Its combination of port density, layer 2 switching features, QoS functionalities, and enhanced security makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to expand or upgrade their networking solutions. With the SMC6752AL2, businesses can maintain high-performance connectivity and effective network management tailored to their specific operational needs.
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