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Software Concepts
Static Address
This feature allows you to enter the addresses that will not be aged
out. It can confine users on certain ports specified by the system
manager, so that they cannot switch to other ports.
Spanning Tree
Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) is an industry standard that prevents
loops configurations in switched networks. The Spanning Tree
algorithm creates a single path through network by making sure that
if more than one path exists between parts of a network, only one of
those paths is used.
This also permits multiple interswitch links to remain active for data
transport while operating in conjunction with the Spanning Tree
algorithm. The IEEE 802.1d Spanning Tree Protocol support for
redundant backbone connections and loop-free networks simplifies
network configuration and improves fault tolerance.
Virtual LANs ( VLANs )
A VLAN is a group of switch ports designated by the switch as
belonging to the same broadcast domain.
This feature allows workgroups to be defined on the basis of their
logical function instead of their physical location, and does not
require recabling. It also enables you to configure port-based VLANs
to help isolate broad- cast traffic and increase security, so as to
increase bandwidth to each station.
VLAN also helps you create limited broadcast domains, to prevent
traffic from being forwarded to stations where it is not needed.
Port Trunking
Port Trunking allows you to build higher bandwidth connections by