Chapter 3 Customization
Optimize Ports through Smartports Port Roles
3-6
User Guide for the Catalyst Express 500 Switches
OL-8122-01
Avoid Smartports Mismatches
A Smartports mismatch is when an attached device does not match the Smartports
role applied to the switch port. Mismatches can have adverse effects on devices
and your network. For example, mismatches
•
Affect the behavior of the attached device
•
Lower network performance (reduce the level of QoS) on voice, wireless,
switch, and router traffic
•
Reduce restrictions on guest access to the network
•
Reduce protection from denial of service (DoS) attacks on the network
•
Disable or shut down the port
We recommend always checking which Smartports role is applied to a port before
attaching a device to the port or reconnecting devices that have been moved.
Apply Roles to Ports
Prerequisite
Before using Smartports, decide which switch port will be connected to which
device type.
Note
•
We recommend that you do not change specific port settings after enabling a
Smartports role on a port. Any port setting changes can alter the effectiveness
of the Smartports role.
•
Do not apply the Desktop port role on ports that are connected to routers or
to other switches.
Use the Smartports window (
Figure 3-2
) to apply port roles to the switch ports.
To display this window, choose Configure > Smartports from the device
manager menu. You also can click Smartports from the device manager tool bar.
See the device manager online help for additional guidelines and procedures.
