DESCRIPTION OF SOFTWARE FEATURES

IEEE 802.1D Bridge – The switch supports IEEE 802.1D transparent bridging. The address table facilitates data switching by learning addresses, and then filtering or forwarding traffic based on this information. The address table supports up to 8K addresses.

Store-and-Forward Switching – The switch copies each frame into its memory before forwarding them to another port. This ensures that all frames are a standard Ethernet size and have been verified for accuracy with the cyclic redundancy check (CRC). This prevents bad frames from entering the network and wasting bandwidth.

To avoid dropping frames on congested ports, the switch provides 8 MB for frame buffering. This buffer can queue packets awaiting transmission on congested networks.

Spanning Tree Algorithm – The switch supports these spanning tree protocols:

Spanning Tree Protocol (STP, IEEE 802.1D) – This protocol provides loop detection and recovery by allowing two or more redundant connections to be created between a pair of LAN segments. When there are multiple physical paths between segments, this protocol will choose a single path and disable all others to ensure that only one route exists between any two stations on the network. This prevents the creation of network loops. However, if the chosen path should fail for any reason, an alternate path will be activated to maintain the connection.

Rapid Spanning Tree Protocol (RSTP, IEEE 802.1w) – This protocol reduces the convergence time for network topology changes to about 3 to 5 seconds, compared to 30 seconds or more for the older IEEE 802.1D STP standard. It is intended as a complete replacement for STP, but can still interoperate with switches running the older standard by automatically reconfiguring ports to STP-compliant mode if they detect STP protocol messages from attached devices.

Multiple Spanning Tree Protocol (MSTP, IEEE 802.1s) – This protocol is a direct extension of RSTP. It can provide an independent spanning tree

1-5

Page 34 Page 36
Page 35
Image 35
SMC Networks SMC6824M manual Description of Software Features
Page 34 Page 36

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.
Top Page Image Contents