Chapter 1
Introduction
RUGGEDCOM ROS
User Guide
2
Features and Benefits
•
Quality of Service (IEEE 802.1p)
Some networking applications such as real-time control or VoIP (Voice over IP) require predictable arrival
times for Ethernet frames. Switches can introduce latency in times of heavy network traffic due to the internal
queues that buffer frames and then transmit on a first come first serve basis. RUGGEDCOM ROS supports
Class
of Service
, which allows time critical traffic to jump to the front of the queue, thus minimizing latency and
reducing
jitter
to allow such demanding applications to operate correctly. RUGGEDCOM ROS allows priority
classification by port, tags, MAC address, and IP Type of Service (ToS). A configurable
weighted fair queuing
algorithm controls how frames are emptied from the queues.
•
VLAN (IEEE 802.1Q)
Virtual Local Area Networks (VLAN) allow the segregation of a physical network into separate logical networks
with independent broadcast domains. A measure of security is provided since hosts can only access other hosts
on the same VLAN and traffic storms are isolated. RUGGEDCOM ROS supports 802.1Q tagged Ethernet frames
and VLAN trunks. Port based classification allows legacy devices to be assigned to the correct VLAN. GVRP
support is also provided to simplify the configuration of the switches on the VLAN.
•
Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP)
SNMP provides a standardized method, for network management stations, to interrogate devices from different
vendors. SNMP versions supported by RUGGEDCOM ROS are v1, v2c and v3. SNMPv3 in particular provides
security features (such as authentication, privacy, and access control) not present in earlier SNMP versions.
RUGGEDCOM ROS also supports numerous standard MIBs (Management Information Base) allowing for easy
integration with any Network Management System (NMS). A feature of SNMP is the ability to generate
traps
upon system events. RUGGEDCOM NMS, the Siemens management solution, can record traps from multiple
devices providing a powerful network troubleshooting tool. It also provides a graphical visualization of the
network and is fully integrated with all Siemens products.
•
Remote Monitoring and Configuration with RUGGEDCOM NMS
RUGGEDCOM NMS (RNMS) is Siemens's Network Management System software for the discovery, monitoring
and management of RUGGEDCOM products and other IP enabled devices on a network. This highly
configurable, full-featured product records and reports on the availability and performance of network
components and services. Device, network and service failures are quickly detected and reported to reduce
downtime.
RNMS is especially suited for remotely monitoring and configuring RUGGEDCOM routers, switches, serial servers
and WiMAX wireless network equipment. For more information, contact a Siemens Sales representative.
•
NTP (Network Time Protocol)
NTP automatically synchronizes the internal clock of all RUGGEDCOM ROS devices on the network. This allows
for correlation of time stamped events for troubleshooting.
•
Port Rate Limiting
RUGGEDCOM ROS supports configurable rate limiting per port to limit unicast and multicast traffic. This can
be essential to managing precious network bandwidth for service providers. It also provides edge security for
Denial of Service (DoS) attacks.
•
Broadcast Storm Filtering
Broadcast storms wreak havoc on a network and can cause attached devices to malfunction. This could be
disastrous on a network with mission critical equipment. RUGGEDCOM ROS limits this by filtering broadcast
frames with a user-defined threshold.
•
Port Mirroring
RUGGEDCOM ROS can be configured to duplicate all traffic on one port to a designated mirror port. When
combined with a network analyzer, this can be a powerful troubleshooting tool.
•
Port Configuration and Status
RUGGEDCOM ROS allows individual ports to be
hard
configured for speed, duplex, auto-negotiation, flow
control and more. This allows proper connection with devices that do not negotiate or have unusual settings.
Detailed status of ports with alarm and SNMP trap on link problems aid greatly in system troubleshooting.
