DESCRIPTION OF SOFTWARE FEATURES

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 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.

Virtual LANs – The switch supports up to 255 VLANs. A Virtual LAN is a collection of network nodes that share the same collision domain regardless of their physical location or connection point in the network. The switch supports tagged VLANs based on the IEEE 802.1Q standard. Members of VLAN groups can be dynamically learned via GVRP, or ports can be manually assigned to a specific set of VLANs. This allows the

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SMC Networks TigerSwitch manual Description of Software Features
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TigerSwitch specifications

The SMC Networks TigerSwitch series represents a robust line of Ethernet switches designed to cater to a wide range of networking needs, from small businesses to enterprise environments. With a strong emphasis on performance, reliability, and ease of use, the TigerSwitch series has garnered a reputation for delivering effective solutions for today’s demanding data communication requirements.

One of the standout features of the TigerSwitch is its support for Gigabit Ethernet, which enables higher data transfer rates and reduced latency. This performance boost is crucial for businesses that rely on bandwidth-heavy applications such as VoIP, video conferencing, and large file transfers. Many models in the series come with multiple Gigabit Ethernet ports, providing businesses with the flexibility to connect various devices and expand their networks seamlessly.

The TigerSwitch series also incorporates advanced Layer 2 switching capabilities, including features such as VLAN support and QoS (Quality of Service). VLAN support allows network administrators to segment network traffic, enhancing security and improving overall network performance. By segregating traffic based on user groups or applications, VLANs help manage bandwidth more effectively. QoS is particularly important in environments where voice and video services compete for bandwidth, as it prioritizes critical applications ensuring minimal interruptions in service quality.

Another key characteristic of the TigerSwitch is its user-friendly management interface. Many models come with web-based management capabilities, making it simpler for network administrators to configure settings, monitor performance, and troubleshoot issues. Additionally, the series supports SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol), allowing for centralized network management and monitoring, which is essential for larger networks.

The TigerSwitch series also promotes energy efficiency, aligning with modern eco-friendly practices. Many of the switches feature Power over Ethernet (PoE) support, allowing them to deliver power to connected devices such as IP cameras and wireless access points over the same Ethernet cable used for data. This not only simplifies cabling requirements but also contributes to reducing overall power consumption, which is a consideration for both cost savings and environmental impact.

In conclusion, the SMC Networks TigerSwitch series stands out due to its combination of performance, advanced features, and ease of management. With its Gigabit Ethernet capabilities, VLAN and QoS support, user-friendly interfaces, and energy-efficient design, the TigerSwitch is well-equipped to meet the diverse needs of modern networking environments, offering reliable solutions that cater to both current demands and future expansions.
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