INTRODUCTION

switch connections. Flow control should also be enabled to control network traffic during periods of congestion and prevent the loss of packets when port buffer thresholds are exceeded. The switch supports flow control based on the IEEE 802.3x standard.

Rate Limiting – This feature controls the maximum rate for traffic transmitted or received on an interface. Rate limiting is configured on interfaces at the edge of a network to limit traffic into or out of the network. Traffic that falls within the rate limit is transmitted, while packets that exceed the acceptable amount of traffic are dropped.

Port Mirroring – The switch can unobtrusively mirror traffic from any port to a monitor port. You can then attach a protocol analyzer or RMON probe to this port to perform traffic analysis and verify connection integrity.

Port Trunking – Ports can be combined into an aggregate connection. Trunks can be manually set up or dynamically configured using IEEE 802.3ad Link Aggregation Control Protocol (LACP). The additional ports dramatically increase the throughput across any connection, and provide redundancy by taking over the load if a port in the trunk should fail. The switch supports up to 6 trunks.

Broadcast Storm Control – Broadcast suppression prevents broadcast traffic from overwhelming the network. When enabled on a port, the level of broadcast traffic passing through the port is restricted. If broadcast traffic rises above a pre-defined threshold, it will be throttled until the level falls back beneath the threshold.

Static Addresses – A static address can be assigned to a specific interface on this switch. Static addresses are bound to the assigned interface and will not be moved. When a static address is seen on another interface, the address will be ignored and will not be written to the address table. Static addresses can be used to provide network security by restricting access for a known host to a specific port.

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SMC Networks SMC6824M manual Introduction

SMC6824M specifications

The SMC Networks SMC6824M is a robust and reliable managed switch that caters to the needs of small to mid-sized businesses, as well as enterprise environments. This switch is designed to provide enhanced performance, scalability, and security for network infrastructures that require efficient traffic management and comprehensive control.

One of the key features of the SMC6824M is its 24 10/100/1000BASE-T ports, which offer lightning-fast Ethernet connectivity. These ports are capable of auto-negotiation, allowing devices to automatically adjust their settings for optimal performance, making it easier to integrate various hardware into existing networks. Additionally, the switch includes four Gigabit SFP slots for fiber uplinks, which allow for extended connectivity options and improved network design.

The SMC6824M employs advanced Layer 2 and Layer 3 functionalities, giving network administrators the tools they need to manage their networks effectively. It supports features like VLAN (Virtual Local Area Network) support and Quality of Service (QoS), ensuring efficient bandwidth management and enhanced performance for critical applications. Through VLAN segmentation, it can isolate network traffic for different departments or functions, enhancing security and reducing congestion.

The switch also offers comprehensive network management capabilities through SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) and a web-based interface, enabling easy configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting. The SMC6824M includes support for port mirroring, which is important for diagnostics and monitoring network performance.

Another significant characteristic of the SMC6824M is its redundancy features, which include IEEE 802.1d Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) to prevent loops and provide network resilience. This is essential for maintaining continuous operation, especially in dynamic environments where network availability is critical.

In terms of security, the SMC6824M supports 802.1X port-based authentication, ensuring that only authorized devices gain access to the network. This feature is crucial for protecting sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of the network.

Overall, the SMC Networks SMC6824M is a versatile and feature-rich managed switch that delivers the performance and flexibility required to support growing networks. Its combination of layer management, security features, and user-friendly interface makes it an excellent choice for organizations looking to enhance their network infrastructure.