Connectivity
Introduction
1-3
1.1
CONNECTIVITY
The module connects to Ethernet networks or workstations through the front panel connectors. The
ports are IEEE 802.3 10BASE-FL compliant.
1.2
RUNTIME IP ADDRESS DISCOVERY
This feature enables the module to automatically accept an IP address from a Boot Strap Protocol
(BootP) server on the network without requiring a user to enter an IP address through Local
Management.
When the module is connected to the network and powered up, Runtime IP Address Discovery
(RAD) checks the module for an IP address. If one has not yet been assigned (module IP address
set to 0.0.0.0), RAD checks to see if any of the module interfaces have a link. If a link is
discovered, RAD sends out Reverse Address Resolution Protocol (RARP) and BootP requests to
obtain an IP address from a BootP server on the network.
The RAD requests start at an interval of one per second. The interval then doubles after every
transmission until an interval of 300 seconds is reached. At this point, the interval remains at 300
seconds. The RAD requests continue until an IP address is received from a RARP or BootP server,
or an IP address is entered using Local Management.
1.3
SMARTTRUNK
Traditional 802.1D Spanning Tree bridges only allow one active data path between any two
switches; all other parallel data paths are in Standby or Blocking mode. If one interface or path
should fail, then the other interface automatically comes out of Blocking mode and forwards all of
the traffic. This is fine for redundancy purposes. However, it is not the most efficient use of
resources.
SmartTrunk, also referred to as SmartTrunking, is Enterasys Networks’ terminology for load
balancing or load sharing. SmartTrunk provides the ability to take full advantage of the network’s
redundant bandwidth. SmartTrunk divides network traffic across multiple ports in parallel to
provide additional throughput. The SmartTrunk application can be used with any of Enterasys
Networks’ switch modules (except ATM modules).
For more information about SmartTrunk and how to configure the SmartSwitch, refer to the
MATRIX E7 Series and SmartSwitch 6000 Series Modules Local Management User’s Guide
.
NOTE:
The module will reboot after RAD is successful.
