Networking Fundamentals

Article by Mark Boyd
www.simpleit.tumblr.com
Networks: Switching fundamentals

All of t he inf ormat ion pres ented in t his art ic le is t he opinion of t he aut hor, not t he opinion of t he any of t he v endors ment ioned. A good majorit y (all) of t he equipment ment ioned in t his art ic le, c ome s f rom Hewlet t Pac k ard (HP hereon in). HP Proc urv es ranges of s wit c hes are a perf ect f it f or educ at ion and t he SM E s ect or. One c ould argue a s olid bus ines s c as e f or HP Proc urv e s witc hes in mos t any organis at ion. HP Proc urv e s wit c hes are as f eat ure f ull and well perf orming as any of t heir mark et c ount erparts . No, I do not get paid t o writ e f or H. P, I jus t really realt y lik e t he gear. H. P, if y ou are reading t his, I need a new rout er.
Building reliable, robust, secure, speedy networks: Switching This article will provide budding network administrators with the fundamentals of network switching. The key areas I will be talking about here are: 1. Solid network design 2. Configuration terminology 3. Some other stuff I am guessing this article wont be terribly long, this is a good thing. Some people think network design has to be overly complex, it doesnt. A good network design should be as hierarchical as possible, with a few layers as possible. A good network design should consist of three fundamental layers. 1. Core 2. Distribution 3. Edge I would argue that these three layers are the reason why HP Switches are such a good fit for education. Most schools (K-12) are single campus. Even if they are not single campus, the hierarchical model still fits. Here is an example of a multi campus, single geographic location topology of a Core / Distribution / Edge switch configuration.
A basic network topology
Senior School Edge

ProCurve
Power
HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch
J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX
Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)
Mode
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Use only one (T or S) for each Port
Senior School Distribution

ProCurve Switch 5406zl J8697A PoE
Power
Fault Locator
Status
Tmp Fan Test Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
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48 T
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48s
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only
ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear
Status
PoE Temp Fan
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr
B D F
G H I K J L
Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr
C E
Test
Chas DIMM
Internal Power
Modules
Console
Auxiliary Port
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
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Link
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47s
Fault
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
Locator
B
Console
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
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48s
Senior School Core

ProCurve
HP E8212 ProCurve zl Switch Switch 8212zl J8715A J9641A
PoE
ProCurve

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
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Mode
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Mode
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45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Power Fault Locator
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
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Mode
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Link
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Mode
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48 T
Link
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Mode
48s
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
HP E8200 zl Switch ProCurve Switch 8200zl Management Module (MM) Management Module (MM) J9092A J9092A
MM MM MM State Component Status
Actv Stby
MM
CF DIM SSM
Power
Fault
Use zl Modules only
MM 1
Reset Status
Dwn
Shutdown
Console
Auxiliary Port
Locator
HP E8200 Switch 8200zl ProCurve zl Switch System Support Module (SSM) System Support Module (SSM) J9095A
Status
PoE Temp
Spd mode:
off = 10 Mbps flash = 100Mbps on = 1000+Mbps
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
EPS
G H I K J L
J9095A
System Reset Clear
1 2
Fabric Modules
C D E F
Test
Fan
Internal Power
Interface Modules
MM 2
Middle School Distribution

Power
Middle School Edge

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator
Status
Tmp Fan Test Act
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear
Status
PoE Temp Fan
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr
B D F
G H I K J L
C E
Test
Chas DIMM
Internal Power
Modules
Console
Auxiliary Port

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
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Mode
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Link
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Mode
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45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Fault
Locator
B
Console
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
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48 T
Link
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48s
FM 1
ProCurve Switch 8200zl HP E8200 zl Switch Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
FM 2
ProCurve zl Switch HP E8200Switch 8200zl Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
ProCurve

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
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21
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Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
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43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Power Fault Locator
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
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Mode
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Link
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Mode
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46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
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Link
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Mode
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Link
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Mode
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45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
Junior School Distribution

Power
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
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Link
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Mode
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24
Link
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Mode
28
30
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Link
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Mode
40
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44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear
Status
PoE Temp Fan
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr
B D F
G H I K J L
C E
Test
Chas DIMM
Internal Power
Modules
Console
Auxiliary Port
Fault
Locator
Junior School Edge

ProCurve
Power
J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
41
43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Fault Locator
Status
Tmp Fan Test Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
20
22
24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
34
36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
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35
Link
37
Mode
39
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43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
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24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
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36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
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35
Link
37
Mode
39
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43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
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Link
26
Mode
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Link
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Mode
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48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
Wednesday, 6 July 2011
Page 1
Alright, so you have now have a network hierarchy. In this example, big switch = core, powerful, all seeing, all knowing. Distribution = the middle man, the henchman, keeping the edge switches in order. From here, you can start planning how you want to configure your network. From here, we will talk about the various technologies you can use to build your network from scratch. First up, you need cabling, cabling, and more cabling. Now, i am going to talk very loosely about what cabling you will need, because it is subjective. All you need to know, is with the below, you should be pretty safe for preventing traffic bottle necks. At the time of writing, Tuesday 5th of July 2011, this is how I like my networks built and configured. I am an advocate for VMware and ESX in particular. I like a 10Gb Fibre from my VMware to the hosts I like 10Gb Fibre from my core to my distribution switches I like 2Gb or 4Gb as a failover for my core to my distribution switches. I like 2Gb from my distribution to my edge switches Lets get a visual representation of what I am talking about (Using Senior School as an example)
Core -> Distribution Cabling Senior School Core

ProCurve
PoE

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Actv Stby
MM
CF DIM SSM
Power
Fault
Use zl Modules only
MM 1
Reset Status
Dwn
Shutdown
Console
Auxiliary Port
Locator
Status
PoE Temp
Spd mode:
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
EPS
G H I K J L
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only
J9095A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear
Status
PoE Temp Fan
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr
B D F
G H I K J L
System Reset Clear
1 2
Fabric Modules
C D E F
C E
Test
Chas DIMM
Test
Fan
Internal Power
Interface Modules
MM 2
Power
Internal Power
Modules
Console
Auxiliary Port
Fault
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
Locator
ProCurve Gig-T PoE+ zl Module J9307A
10
12
14
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18
20
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24
zl
PoE-Integrated 10/100/1000Base-T Ports (1-24) - Ports are Auto MDIX
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FM 1
1 3 ProCurve Switch 8200zl HP E8200 zl Switch Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
11
13
15
17
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FM 2
1 3 ProCurve zl Switch HP E8200Switch 8200zl Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
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Before we analyse, the Core Switch is a HP Procurve 8212ZL. This is a modular switch; each 24 port module is replaceable. These switches are incredibly powerful, more power than the needs of any school I have come across. The 8212ZL has a few key strengths as a Core Switch. First up, you can trunk across modules, I will discuss this later, but basically, you can build a zero single point of failure network (from a switching point of view anyway). If one module fails, your throughput halves, but you still have communications. The second advantage is that the 8212ZL chassis is effectively 2 chassis in 1. If the top half fails, the bottom half takes over (In reality there are two management modules controlling separate sections of the switch). All of that is beyond the scope of this article and strongly recommend you look at the spec sheet when making your decision about which switch to buy. And again, I am not a salesperson, talk to one if you want more information.
Page 2
Right, so you dont have to flip between pages. I will paste the picture again. And then start explaining it. Here it goes.
Core -> Distribution Cabling Senior School Core

ProCurve
PoE

ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Actv Stby
MM
CF DIM SSM
Power
Fault
Use zl Modules only
MM 1
Reset Status
Dwn
Shutdown
Console
Auxiliary Port
Locator
Status
PoE Temp
Spd mode:
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
EPS
G H I K J L
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only
J9095A

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear
Status
PoE Temp Fan
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr
B D F
G H I K J L
System Reset Clear
1 2
Fabric Modules
C D E F
C E
Test
Chas DIMM
Test
Fan
Internal Power
Interface Modules
MM 2
Power
Internal Power
Modules
Console
Auxiliary Port
Fault
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
Locator
10
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zl
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zl
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FM 1
1 3 ProCurve Switch 8200zl HP E8200 zl Switch Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
11
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FM 2
1 3 ProCurve zl Switch HP E8200Switch 8200zl Fabric Module Fabric Module J9093A J9093A
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
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So, what do we have here? 1 X 10Gb link on Core Module B, Port 24 -> Distribution Module A Port 24 1 X 1Gb link on Core Module D, Port 24 -> Distribution Module C Port 24 1 X 1Gb link on Core Module F, Port 24 -> Distribution Module E Port 24 1 X 1Gb link on Core Module J, Port 24 -> Distribution Module D Port 24 1 X 1Gb link on Core Module L, Port 24 -> Distribution Module F Port 24 Now hang on a good second, 4 X 1GB links? That creates a loop; the entire network will fall over. What are doing you crazy man? I will tell you what I am doing; I am going to trunk the 4 links and implement Spanning Tree Protocol. Lets quickly check out the Distribution -> Edge Cabling.
Distribution -> Edge Cabling

Power


ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear
Status
PoE Temp Fan
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr
B D F
G H I K J L
C E
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear
Status
PoE Temp Fan
ProCurve Networking
HP Innovation
Use zl Modules only

Mgmt Flash
Reset Clear
Status
PoE Temp Fan
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr
B D F
G H I K J L
A 3 1 4 2 1 2
PoE Pwr
B D F
G H I K J L
C E
Test
Chas DIMM
C E
Test
Chas DIMM
Internal Power
Modules
Console
Auxiliary Port
Test
Chas DIMM
Power
Internal Power
Modules
Console
Auxiliary Port
Power
Internal Power
Modules
Console
Auxiliary Port
Fault Fault Locator
Fault
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Locator
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C C
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18
20
22
24
zl
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
zl
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
zl
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
zl
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
zl
E
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
F
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
E E
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
F
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23 1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
F
1 3 5 7 9 11 13 15 17 19 21 23
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
zl
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
zl
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
zl
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
zl
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
zl
10
12
14
16
18
20
22
24
zl
Senior School Edge

ProCurve
Power Fault Locator
Status
Tmp Fan Test Act
Senior School Edge

Senior School Edge


J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
41
43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
41
43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
41
43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
20
22
24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
34
36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
20
22
24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
34
36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
20
22
24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
34
36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
41
43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
41
43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Status
Tmp
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Fan Test
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
41
43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
20
22
24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
34
36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
20
22
24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
34
36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
41
43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
20
22
24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
34
36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
41
43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
20
22
24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
34
36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
20
22
24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
34
36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
ProCurve
Power Fault Locator

J9147A
Mdl
Link
RPS
Status of the Back
* Spd Mode:
off=10 Mbps,
2 flash=100 Mbps,
on=1 Gbps,
3 flash=10 Gbps
Mode
11
Link
13
Mode
15
17
19
21
23
Link
25
Mode
27
29
31
33
35
Link
37
Mode
39
41
43
45 T
47 T
Link
45s
Mode
47s
Status
Tmp Fan Test
Act
LED Mode
FDx * Spd Usr
Console
Reset
Clear
Link
Mode
10
12
Link
14
Mode
16
18
20
22
24
Link
26
Mode
28
30
32
34
36
Link
38
Mode
40
42
44
46 T
48 T
Link
46s
Mode
48s
Same goes here, as goes above! I wont list the switch ports but is pretty self-explanatory. A 2 GB trunk will exist between the Distribution Switch to the Edge Switches. One port fails on the switch, the other takes over. 1 cable gets cut in half, service exists, but at half the speed til normal operation resumes. The next topic will be Spanning Tree Protocol (STP) and then Trunking.
Page 3
Article by Mark Boyd Spanning Tree Protocol
Spanning tree can be complicated, so lets talk about what it is and what it does. Spanning Tree Protocol (STP from hereon in) is a protocol that deals with the issue of network loops. A problem with large and complex networks can be that cabling gets hard to manage. Whole networks can be brought down by an unsuspecting user or even an admin plugging a cable into a wall socket and creating a loop. STP addresses this problem. If STP detects a loop, it disables the offending port until the loop is removed. Right now, I hope you are thinking, Mark, from your core to your distribution switch you have 1 X 10GB link and 1 X 4GB link, that creates a loop, what do you do? Well, STP will fix that, turn it on, and one of the two ports will go into blocking mode, that is, it wont take any traffic across it. If the active link fails, there is no loop anymore, and the blocked port will become active. With the above design, we have built in a bottleneck free highly redundant network that is actually quite simple and easy to manage. Next on the agenda, and in our above examples, complimentary to STP, is Trunking. Trunking What is Trunking and why is it important. Trunking is simple, getting two or more physical connections, and making them act as one. There are different Trunking protocols, Trunks, LACP and so on. Going into that much detail isnt the point of the article. I just want to make it crystal clear what it is and why you need it. So why is it important? Well, Bandwidth is a finite resource. You have 96 students across 4 edge switches are at a school hitting a file server playing their games and watching their YouTube videos. Umm, I mean doing their work. Each student has a Gigabit connection to their edge switch. The Edge switches have a 1 GB link to the distribution switch. The next hop, the distribution switch to the core, has a 1 GB link too. So, in the example, we have a 1 GB link from core to edge. This is bad. There is an obvious bottleneck that I hope I dont need to explain. This is what Trunking solves, good network design involves Trunking takes two or more physical links, and makes them act as one. Lets change the above example. You have the same students, the same amount of switches. But now, there is 2 GB to the distribution switch, 10 GB to the core. No more bottle neck. And if you consider the above image, if that 10 GB link fails, the 4 GB Trunk takes over. You can segment your network even further as well, which is why a 3 tiered hierarchical model for network design is a good idea. At the distribution layer, you can put ACLs in (Access Control Lists) in place to stop unnecessary traffic hitting your core switch. We will discuss that later. This concludes this article, I was going to write about VLANS but they deserve an article of their own.
Page 4

Networking Fundamentals

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Networking Fundamentals

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Article by Mark Boyd

Networks: Switching fundamentals

Senior School Edge

Status of the Back

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Senior School Distribution

FDx * Spd Usr

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

Status of the Back

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

FDx * Spd Usr

Senior School Core

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

Status of the Back

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Power Fault Locator

FDx * Spd Usr

Use zl Modules only

off = 10 Mbps flash = 100Mbps on = 1000+Mbps

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

System Reset Clear

Middle School Distribution

Middle School Edge

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

Status of the Back

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

FDx * Spd Usr

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

Status of the Back

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Power Fault Locator

FDx * Spd Usr

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

Status of the Back

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

Junior School Distribution

FDx * Spd Usr

ProCurve Switch 5400zl Management Module J8726A

Act FDx Spd LED Mode PoE Usr

Junior School Edge

Status of the Back

10/100/1000Base-T Ports ( 1 - 48T ) Ports are Auto-MDIX

Dual-Personality Ports: 10/100/1000-T (T) or SFP (S)

Use only one (T or S) for each Port

FDx * Spd Usr

HP ProCurve 2910al-48G Switch

Status of the Back